In a dramatic turn of events, Arjumand Gulzar, also known as Burhan Hamza, who was accused of masterminding the horrific Pulwama terror attack in 2019, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This incident has raised questions regarding the security situation in the region.
Reports suggest that Hamza was ambushed while he was in Muzaffarabad. Following the attack, he was airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi because of critical injuries sustained during the shooting. Despite the medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The gunmen reportedly escaped the scene without being apprehended by security forces, highlighting ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of security operations in PoK.
The Pulwama attack, which occurred on February 14, 2019, involved a suicide bomber who drove an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, resulting in the tragic death of 40 soldiers. The attack was claimed by the militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed, an organization widely recognized for its violent extremist activities in the region.
Hamza’s alleged involvement in the attack led the Indian government to designate him as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in 2022, following an extensive investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Originally hailing from Khar in Pulwama district, Hamza had ties to the militant group Al Badr before moving to another group, Al Baraq. His connections reportedly extended to Pakistan’s notorious Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), suggesting a deeper involvement in cross-border terrorism.
The killing of such a high-profile figure raises various implications for both India and Pakistan. It highlights the ongoing challenges of tackling terrorism in the region, particularly in areas that are under the influence of militant organizations and supportive state apparatus. Analysts are keenly observing how this incident will affect the dynamics of militant activity in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as well as its repercussions on Indo-Pak relations.
