South Kashmir Hizbul Terrorist Group Chief Riyaz Naikoo

Riyaz Naikoo is heard instructing cadres not to kill any political workers but to blind them. In a twelve-and-half-minute-long video, he discussing plans with a fellow militant. The video has gone viral on social media

South Kashmir Hizbul Mujahideen commander Riyaz Naikoo has been heard in a video instructing cadres, including Jaish-e-Mohammad, not to kill any political worker but to use "concentrate acid" to blind people who dare to contest upcoming panchayat election .

A purported conversation of Naikoo with fellow militant Sameer Tiger has gone viral on social media where he is heard talking about using "concentrated acid" to target those who will contest Panchayat polls.

Over a twelve-and-half-minute-long video, Naikoo is even heard discussing using militants to stop people from participating in the Panchayat polls. The elections are due in February.

This even as security forces are in initial stages of preparation for Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat polls after the state government recently decided to hold them in February. The mammoth exercise will elect involve 18,785 Panchs and 2,369 Sarpanchs in Kashmir.

In the recent months, militants have chosen soft targets like workers of political parties. Videos have appeared showing militants threatening political workers of dire consequences.