Hamza Burhan, one of the alleged masterminds behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), according to reports and sources. The incident occurred on May 21, 2026, when Burhan was shot multiple times and succumbed to his injuries.
Background of Hamza Burhan
Burhan, whose real name is Arjumand Gulzar Dar, was also known by aliases including Hamza Burhan and Doctor. The Indian government designated him a terrorist in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), linking him to the banned outfit Al Badr. He was identified as a key figure in orchestrating the Pulwama attack, which took place on February 14, 2019.
The Pulwama Attack
The 2019 Pulwama attack involved Adeel Ahmed Dar ramming an explosives-laden vehicle into a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at Lethpora. The attack resulted in the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel and remains one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in the region. Investigations revealed that Burhan played a significant role in planning and executing the attack.
Reactions and Implications
The killing of Burhan marks a significant development in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, it underscores the volatile security situation in the region. Indian authorities have not yet officially commented on the incident, but security analysts suggest that Burhan's death could disrupt terrorist networks operating in the area.
The Centre had designated Burhan a terrorist under UAPA, which allowed for the freezing of his assets and other legal measures. His elimination is seen as a blow to the Al Badr outfit, which has been involved in various anti-India activities. The incident also highlights the internal strife within militant groups in PoJK, where targeted killings have become increasingly common.
