2019 Pulwama Attack Accused Hamza Burhan Killed By Unidentified Assailants In POK

Hamza Burhan, a key conspirator linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Muzaffarabad. Burhan, who was originally from Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district, had been designated a terrorist by India's Union Home Ministry in 2022.

Terror Operative Killed In Muzaffarabad

Hamza Burhan, also known by the alias 'Doctor', reportedly suffered multiple bullet injuries after unknown assailants opened fire on him in Muzaffarabad. His original name was Arjumand Gulzar Dar.

Burhan was a resident of Kharbatpora in Pulwama's Ratnipora area. According to reports, he crossed over to Pakistan in 2017 claiming he was travelling for higher studies. However, he later joined the banned terror outfit Al-Badr and eventually rose to the rank of commander.

Over the past few years, several designated terrorists linked to anti-India activities have been targeted and eliminated in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by unidentified attackers.

Role In Radicalisation Network Across South Kashmir

After joining Al-Badr, Burhan later returned to Kashmir where he allegedly played an active role in radicalising and indoctrinating local youth. Security agencies accused him of expanding militant networks across South Kashmir, especially in Pulwama and Shopian districts.

Investigators had also linked him to operational planning and recruitment activities connected to terror groups operating in the Valley.

Burhan became one of the most wanted operatives after his alleged involvement in the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019, one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian security personnel.

The 2019 Pulwama Attack That Shocked India

The Pulwama attack took place on February 14, 2019, at Lethpora in Jammu and Kashmir when a Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) suicide bomber rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into a convoy of CRPF personnel.

The attack killed 40 CRPF jawans and triggered nationwide outrage. It also sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistan, targeting what India described as terror infrastructure linked to JeM.

Security Focus Returns To Cross-Border Terror Networks

Burhan's killing has once again brought attention to cross-border terror networks operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian security agencies had long considered him an important figure involved in terror recruitment and operational coordination in South Kashmir.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack on Burhan, his death adds to the growing list of militants and terror operatives killed by unknown gunmen in Pakistan and POK in recent years.