(Karachi) A top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, a largest rebel group in held Kashmir, has been shot dead by Indian forces in the outskirts of Srinagar city, Al Arabiya English reported.

The dead commander was identified as Saifullah Mir. He was the chief of operations of Hizbul Mujahideen, which for decades has spearheaded an armed campaign against Indian rule.

Police in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) said that the security forces launched an operation based on intelligence report about the presence of Mir in the area. They said an exchange of fire took place between Indian troops and the rebel group in which the commander was killed and his suspected associate was captured.

“This is a huge success for the police and security forces. This is not a small achievement,” Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vijay Kumar told journalists.

However, there is no immediate confirmation from Hizbul Mujahideen about the killing.

Soon after the incident, anti-India protests broke out in the held valley. Police fired tear gas and shotgun pellets to stop protesters from marching in the area. The protesters were chanting slogans including “We want freedom” and “Go India, go back”.

Officials said that Mir joined the rebels’ ranks in 2014 and took charge of the Hizbul Mujahideen as its top operations commander after Indian troops killed his predecessor Riyaz Naikoo in May. Rebels have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. The people of Kashmir support the goal that the territory be united under Pakistani rule.