In a significant development, Hamza Burhan, one of the masterminds behind the Pulwama attack and a top commander of the terror outfit Al-Badr, has been shot dead by unidentified assailants in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Burhan, whose real name was Arjumand Gulzar Dar and was also known by the alias Doctor, was a high-profile figure on India's most-wanted list. According to reports, the attackers fired multiple bullets at him, leading to his immediate death on the spot. The incident has sent shockwaves through the terror networks operating from across the border.
Details of the Incident in Muzaffarabad
The killing took place in Muzaffarabad, where unknown gunmen targeted Hamza Burhan. Sources indicate that the assailants were well-prepared and ensured his death by firing several rounds, while following the shooting, local residents managed to apprehend one individual suspected of being involved in the attack. This suspect has been handed over to the local police for further investigation. However, detailed information regarding the identity or motives of the captured individual has not yet been made public. The elimination of such a high-ranking commander in a supposedly secure location for terrorists marks a major blow to the Al-Badr organization.
Background and Rise in Terror Ranks
Arjumand Gulzar Dar was originally a resident of the Ratnipora area in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir. His journey into the world of terrorism began approximately 7 years ago when he traveled to Pakistan using valid travel documents. Once in Pakistan, he joined the Al-Badr terror group and quickly rose through the ranks due to his involvement in various anti-India activities. He eventually became the operational commander of the organization, managing terror operations in the Kashmir Valley from his base in Pakistan.
Designation as a Terrorist by the Indian Government
Indian security agencies had been tracking Arjumand Gulzar for a long time, placing him on the most-wanted list. In recognition of his dangerous activities, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India officially declared him a terrorist in the year 2022. According to the ministry, he played a pivotal role in spreading terror in Pulwama and South Kashmir.
The Digital Radicalization Model
Pulwama has long been a sensitive hub for militant activities in the valley, producing several notorious terror figures. Arjumand Gulzar was considered a key part of the digital radicalization model, similar to the one popularized by Burhan Wani. This model utilizes social media platforms and local networks to influence and incite young individuals to take up arms. Security agencies noted that Gulzar's network was particularly active in the Pulwama, Shopian, and Avantipora regions, while he operated through local Overground Workers (OGWs) to deliver instructions, funds, and explosives. His name had surfaced in multiple cases involving grenade attacks, the recovery of explosives, and organized terror recruitment drives.