Hamza Burhan, an alleged key conspirator linked to the Pulwama attack, was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, according to emerging reports from security-linked sources.
Hamza, also known as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, was considered one of the senior commanders of the banned terror outfit Al Badr and had remained on the radar of Indian security agencies for several years.
Terror Accused Was on Security Agencies’ Most Wanted List
Officials had earlier identified Hamza Burhan as a high-value militant operative involved in extremist activities linked to South Kashmir.
Originally from Pulwama, he had reportedly crossed over to Pakistan in 2017 under the pretext of pursuing higher education before allegedly joining Al Badr.
Over time, he rose within the ranks of the outfit and was accused of coordinating recruitment activities and radicalising local youth in Kashmir.
India Declared Him a Terrorist
The Government of India had officially designated Hamza Burhan as a terrorist for alleged involvement in multiple terror-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Union Home Ministry, he had been actively involved in motivating young people to join militant groups and arranging financial support for extremist operations after relocating to Pakistan.
Security agencies had also accused him of building militant networks across parts of South Kashmir, particularly in Pulwama and neighbouring Shopian.
Property Attached in Kashmir Last Year
In August 2025, Jammu and Kashmir Police attached a two-storey residential property belonging to Hamza’s family in Pulwama as part of anti-terror action under existing legal provisions.
Authorities had then stated that the action was linked to his alleged role in supporting militant activities from across the border.
Reports Suggest Unknown Assailants Opened Fire
Initial reports claim that Hamza Burhan was killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir by unidentified attackers, though no official confirmation from Pakistani authorities has emerged so far.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, and no organisation has claimed responsibility for the killing at this stage.
Allegations of Radicalising Youth
Families in parts of South Kashmir had earlier alleged that several young men were drawn toward militancy under Hamza’s influence.
Investigators had accused him of using local networks and online communication channels to encourage recruitment into extremist organisations operating in the Valley.
His reported killing comes amid continued anti-terror operations and heightened security monitoring linked to cross-border militant activities in the region.
