Following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, intelligence agencies have identified 14 local terrorists actively operating in the Union Territory. These individuals, aged 20 to 40, are reportedly providing crucial logistical and ground support to foreign terrorists from Pakistan.
Sources indicate that these operatives are affiliated with three major Pakistan-backed terror organizations: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The breakdown of affiliations is as follows: three with Hizbul Mujahideen, eight with LeT, and three with JeM.
The identified individuals are:
- Adil Rehman Dentoo (21): Joined LeT in 2021 and serves as the Sopore district commander.
- Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28): A JeM terrorist and the district commander of Awantipora, active since 2022.
- Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23): An LeT operative active in Pulwama since 2023.
- Haris Nazir (20): Linked to LeT and active in Pulwama since 2023.
- Aamir Nazir Wani (20): A JeM terrorist active in Pulwama since 2024.
- Yawar Ahmed Bhat: Associated with JeM and active in Pulwama since 2024.
- Asif Ahmed Khanday (24): Joined Hizbul Mujahideen in July 2015 and operates in Shopian.
- Naseer Ahmed Wani (21): An LeT member actively involved in terrorist activities in Shopian since 2019.
- Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27): Linked with LeT and its proxy group TRF, active in Shopian since 2023.
- Aamir Ahmed Dar: Working with LeT in Shopian since 2023, playing a key role in aiding foreign terrorists.
- Adnan Safi Dar: Associated with LeT and TRF in Shopian since 2024, acting as a communication link between Pakistani handlers and terrorists.
- Zubair Ahmed Wani (39) alias Abu Ubaida alias Usman: The Chief Operational Commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in Anantnag, categorized as an A+ active terrorist involved in multiple attacks since 2018.
- Haroon Rashid Ganai (32): An active Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist from Anantnag who reportedly received training in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2018 and recently returned.
- Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29): An LeT operative from Kulgam, continuously involved in attacks on security forces and targeted killings.
This identification comes as agencies intensify efforts to dismantle the support networks facilitating cross-border terrorism following the April 22 Pahalgam attack, where 26 tourists were targeted. The attack has heightened concerns about the nexus between foreign terrorists and local recruits.
Security forces have launched coordinated operations across South Kashmir, particularly in Anantnag and Pulwama, where many of these individuals are believed to be operating. Senior officials state that this list is part of a larger intelligence dossier aimed at preventing future attacks and disrupting terror logistics.
Agencies are also investigating potential links between these 14 terrorists and the five terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Investigators have already identified five terrorists involved in that attack, including three Pakistani nationals: Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha. The other two were identified as local operatives Adil Guri and Ahsan. A bounty of ₹20 lakh has been announced for each of them.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with other agencies, is assisting the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the investigation. LeT’s proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), has claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack. The NIA team is expected to conduct a thorough assessment of the attack site, gather forensic evidence, and aid in identifying all those responsible.
