Riyaz Naikoo was a prominent figure in the Hizbul Mujahideen, a banned terrorist group operating in India. His actions and ultimate fate significantly impacted the Kashmir region.

Wiki/Biography

Riyaz Naikoo was born in April 1985 (age 35 at the time of death) in Beighpora village, Awantipora tehsil, Pulwama district, Jammu and Kashmir. He received his early education at the government school in neighboring Gulzarpora, followed by higher secondary education at Noorpora. He completed a Science degree, majoring in Mathematics.

Family

Naikoo hailed from a Kashmiri Muslim family. His parents, Asadullah (father) and Zeba (mother), are farmers. His father also ran a small tailoring shop. He had three brothers and one sister, being the second among his siblings.

A Meritorious Mathematician

Naikoo excelled academically. His father reported that he achieved 464 out of 600 marks in his 12th-standard exams. After graduation, he taught mathematics at a private school and provided free tutoring to students in his village.

The Incident That Led Him To Become a Militant

The death of 17-year-old Tufail Ahmad Mattoo in 2010, due to a tear gas shell fired by J&K Police during a protest, deeply affected Naikoo. This incident, along with widespread protests and violence, is considered a pivotal moment that influenced his path.

Went Missing From Home

In 2012, after asking his father for money for postgraduate studies, Naikoo disappeared from his home. His subsequent involvement with the Hizbul Mujahideen was later confirmed by the police. His family’s home was subjected to numerous police raids after his disappearance.

Joined the Hizbul Mujahideen

Naikoo joined the Hizbul Mujahideen in 2012, under the leadership of Burhan Wani. He became a key member and close associate of Wani, working alongside individuals like Saddam Padder.

A Successor of Burhan Wani

Following Burhan Wani’s death in 2016, Zakir Musa briefly took over. However, due to controversial statements, Naikoo eventually rose to become the operational commander of the Hizbul Mujahideen. His leadership skills united the group despite internal conflicts.

Death

On May 6, 2020, Naikoo was killed in his home village during a joint operation involving the Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force, and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Facts/Trivia

• Naikoo held an A++ terrorist designation with a significant bounty on his head.
• Reports indicated he utilized an underground hideout and tunnel system to move around his village.
• He was considered so crucial to the Hizbul Mujahideen that his death was seen as a major blow to the group’s operations in South Kashmir.
• He issued public statements, including advisories to Kashmiri women regarding social media interaction and a denial of planned attacks on the Amarnath Yatra.
• He was allegedly involved in the abduction of family members of policemen.
• His mother described him as soft-spoken and humble.

Additional Information

The impact of Naikoo’s actions and his leadership within the Hizbul Mujahideen remain a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis within the context of the Kashmir conflict.