Muzaffarabad: One of the alleged masterminds linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, Hamza Burhan, also known as ‘Doctor’, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). Burhan, whose original name was Arjumand Gulzar Dar, had been designated as a terrorist by the Union Home Ministry in 2022 and was linked by security agencies to multiple terror-related activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Burhan was linked to Pulwama terror case
According to reports, Burhan sustained multiple bullet injuries after unidentified assailants attacked him in Muzaffarabad. The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the identities of those responsible have not yet been officially established.
Burhan, a resident of Kharbatpora in Pulwama district, had reportedly travelled to Pakistan in 2017 under the pretext of pursuing higher education. Security agencies later stated that he joined the banned outfit Al-Badr and subsequently rose through the ranks to become a commander within the organisation.
Investigative agencies had earlier linked him to several activities associated with militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities alleged that he played a role in recruitment efforts and in expanding militant networks in parts of South Kashmir.
Alleged role in youth radicalisation
Security agencies had previously claimed that Burhan returned to Kashmir after joining the terror outfit and became involved in radicalisation activities.
Reports suggested that he expanded his network from Pulwama to Shopian and other parts of South Kashmir. Authorities alleged that he was involved in indoctrinating and recruiting young individuals into militancy.
Over the years, several security assessments reportedly linked him with efforts to strengthen local militant networks in the region.
Officials had also accused him of maintaining links with terror operatives and facilitating logistical support for militant activities.
Pulwama attack remained a turning point
Burhan’s name was linked by agencies to the Pulwama attack, one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security personnel.
The incident took place on February 14, 2019, when a suicide bomber targeted a convoy of Central Reserve Police Force personnel near Lethpora in Pulwama district.
The attack resulted in the deaths of more than 40 CRPF personnel and triggered a major security and diplomatic response.
Following the incident, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated significantly. The attack also led to military developments and increased security operations in the region.
Investigative agencies had alleged that Burhan was involved in supplying explosives and grenades to operatives connected with the attack.
Authorities had also linked him to a grenade attack targeting CRPF personnel on November 18, 2020.
Security agencies had launched extensive search efforts
After intelligence agencies identified his alleged role in multiple cases, security forces reportedly launched operations to trace his activities.
However, reports indicated that Burhan managed to leave Kashmir and move to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, where he was believed to have remained active.
He continued to remain on the radar of security agencies and was later designated as a terrorist by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Officials had maintained that he was involved in activities affecting security and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.
Series of killings of terror operatives draws attention
Burhan’s death comes amid reports of several killings involving designated terrorists and senior operatives of different terror organisations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir over the past few years.
Various reports have referred to incidents involving unidentified assailants targeting individuals linked to groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen.
Several of these incidents reportedly occurred under circumstances that remain unclear, leading to widespread discussion and speculation.
However, authorities have not publicly confirmed any organised pattern behind such incidents.
Investigations into many of these cases continue to remain limited in the public domain.
Burhan’s reported killing has once again drawn attention to the security environment surrounding individuals linked to terror activities in the region and the continuing focus of security agencies on cases related to major attacks.