The Jammu and Kashmir State Investigation Agency (SIA) has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against designated Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo in connection with the 2013 Tarzoo (Hygam) terror attack case. The notice marks a significant milestone in the investigation and will enable international law enforcement agencies to locate, detain, and initiate legal proceedings for Kandoo's extradition to India.
Details of the 2013 Attack
The case relates to the April 26, 2013, terrorist ambush at Peer Mohalla in Hygam, Sopore, where heavily armed militants attacked a police party, killing four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. The SIA described this as one of the most serious terrorist strikes against security forces during that period. The case was initially registered at Police Station Tarzoo in Sopore and was transferred to the SIA in 2024 for comprehensive investigation.
Investigation and Chargesheet
Following an extensive probe involving evidence collection, witness examination, and reconstruction of the conspiracy, the SIA completed the investigation and filed a chargesheet in July 2024 against six accused before the competent trial court. During the investigation, two accused—Tariq Ahmad Mir of Kalamabad, Handwara, and Qayoom Najar of Batapora, Sopore—were killed in separate encounters with security forces. Three others—Javid Ahmad Mattoo of Sopore, Rouf Najar of Sopore, and Ahmadullah Malla of Dalal Mohalla, Srinagar—have been arrested and are facing trial.
Principal Accused and His Background
The sixth and principal accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, is absconding and believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan. A resident of Kralteng, Sopore, Kandoo has been an active member and commander of the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. The Government of India notified him as a Designated Individual Terrorist in October 2022 due to his sustained involvement in terrorist activities.
The SIA's investigation conclusively established Kandoo's central role in the Hygam terror attack and uncovered his involvement in a wider network of terrorist activities. According to the SIA statement, "Besides the present case, he is wanted in at least 10 other terror-related cases involving terrorist attacks, targeted killings resulting in the deaths of more than 15 persons, arms and ammunition smuggling, and narco-terror financing. Despite sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies, he continued to evade arrest."
Significance of the Red Corner Notice
The agency described the issuance of the Interpol Red Corner Notice against Kandoo as a significant operational and investigative achievement for SIA Kashmir. This development is expected to bolster international cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts and bring the perpetrators to justice.
