Srinagar, May 28 (IANS): A Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander in Pulwama district of Kashmir region surrendered on Saturday, dealing a major blow to the Burhan group of militants in the Kashmir Valley, officials said.

"Tariq Pandit, a close associate of Burhan Wani, and a commander of HM outfit surrendered before the security forces", a senior police officer told IANS in Srinagar.

Defence sources said the militant commander surrendered before the officers of 55 Rashtriya Rifles deployed for anti-militancy operations.

Pandit had been prominent in pictures posted on the social media that showed Wani and his associates wielding weapons and wearing army fatigues.

For over six months now, a 22-year-old youth from Pulwama district, Burhan Wani, has become a militant icon to lure educated local youth into the cadre of insurgent groups.

Despite their best efforts, Wani is still at large and the security forces have not been able to arrest or eliminate him.

A reward of Rs.10 lakh has been announced by the security forces for anyone leading to actionable information on Wani.