New Delhi: Shaken by gunning down of its two commanders in quick succession, the HizbulMujahideen may appoint appointRiyazNaikoo, a 'moderate' terrorist, whatever that would been, as its new boss in Kashmir valley. Last week its commander SabzarBhat was gunned down in encounter with the security foces. Bhat's elimination came in quick succession after the the killing of BurhanWani, who was killed last year.

RiyazNaikoo, at 29 is the oldest surviving terrorist of the outfit. Naikoo had invited Kashmiri Pandits to return to the valley a few months ago.

In a video address, Naikoo, alias Zubair, had said, "We will welcome them (Kashmiri Pandits) warmly and there is always place for them in our hearts. They are part of our nation. We are their protectors and not their enemies."

Like BurhanWani, Naikoo too is tech-savvy and newspaper reports say that he favours a secular society in the valley. Through Naikoo, the Hizb also wants to counter the message that the terrorists in Kashmir were fighting for an Islamic Caliphate and imposition of Shariat.