In the wake of the heartbreaking terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists, intelligence agencies have stepped up their efforts to dismantle the growing nexus between foreign militants and local operatives in Jammu and Kashmir. In a significant move, authorities have identified 14 local individuals believed to be aiding Pakistan-backed terrorist groups by providing crucial logistical and ground-level support.
According to sources, these individuals, aged between 20 and 40, have been linked to three major terror outfits: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Of the 14, three are associated with Hizbul Mujahideen, eight with LeT, and three with JeM. Their activities have reportedly strengthened the operational capabilities of foreign terrorists infiltrating the region.
The identified individuals include Adil Rehman Dentoo (21), who joined LeT in 2021 and now serves as Sopore district commander; Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28), a JeM commander in Awantipora since 2022; and Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23), who has been active with LeT in Pulwama since 2023. Other names on the list include Haris Nazir (20) and Aamir Nazir Wani (20), both active in Pulwama; and Yawar Ahmed Bhat, also operating in the same district.
In Shopian district, Asif Ahmed Khanday (24) joined Hizbul Mujahideen as early as 2015, while Naseer Ahmed Wani (21) has been aiding LeT operations since 2019. Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27) and Aamir Ahmed Dar, both active in Shopian, are linked to LeT and its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF). Adnan Safi Dar, another name from Shopian, has been working as a critical link between Pakistani handlers and local operatives since 2024.
Among the more senior figures, Zubair Ahmed Wani (39), also known as Abu Ubaida or Usman, is a top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen in Anantnag and has been a persistent threat to security forces since 2018. Haroon Rashid Ganai (32), trained in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in 2018, has recently resurfaced in South Kashmir, while Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29) from Kulgam continues to be deeply involved in attacks on security forces under the LeT banner.
This development comes amid a broader crackdown following the tragic April 22 attack in Baisaran near Pahalgam, where heavily armed terrorists, including Pakistani nationals, opened fire on unsuspecting tourists. The brutality of the attack, targeting families and children amidst the breathtaking meadows, has sent waves of grief and anger across the nation.
Security forces have since launched coordinated operations in South Kashmir, particularly focusing on Anantnag and Pulwama, where many of these listed individuals are believed to be hiding. Investigations are now seeking to establish any direct links between these local operatives and the five terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack. Authorities have already identified the five assailants, three of whom were Pakistani nationals—Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—while the remaining two were locals named Adil Guri and Ahsan. A reward of ₹20 lakh has been announced for information leading to each of their captures.
Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), along with other central agencies, has joined hands with Jammu and Kashmir Police to piece together the full chain of events. The NIA team is expected to conduct detailed forensic examinations at the attack site and assist in building a comprehensive case against those responsible.
As the valley mourns its loss and grapples with fresh wounds, security forces are working tirelessly, not just to bring the perpetrators to justice, but to restore a sense of safety and peace that the people of Kashmir have yearned for far too long.
