Mohammad Bin Qasim named new Hizbul chief in the Valley

Hundreds of Kashmiris gathered for Hizb commander Yasin Yatoo at Budgam on Sunday. Pic/AFP

The Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit has named Mohammad Bin Qasim as its new commander in Kashmir following the killing of Yasin Yatoo on Sunday. Pakistan-based Hizb chief Syed Salahuddin named Qasim as the new operational commander of the largest militant group active in the state.

Police sources, however, said they had not heard of anyone in the current lot of Hizb militants named Qasim. But it could be Riyaz Naikoo, who has been active in south Kashmir, they said.

J&K remains seated during Anthem
The main Independence Day function saw most of the people in the general stands remain seated when the National Anthem was played soon after CM Mehbooba Mufti unfurled the tricolour.