Pulwama Attack Plotter Gunned Down in PoK: Report

Arjumand Gulzar, accused of plotting the 2019 Pulwama attack, was shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Top Summary

What happened: Arjumand Gulzar, also known as Burhan Hamza, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Why it matters: Hamza was a key suspect in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. His death could impact ongoing investigations.
What changes for people: This event highlights the continued instability and militant activity in the region.
Who is affected: The families of the Pulwama attack victims, Indian security agencies, and residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are affected.

Pulwama Attack Suspect Killed

Arjumand Gulzar, alias Burhan Hamza, a designated terrorist accused of plotting the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to officials cited by PTI. The incident occurred in Muzaffarabad.

Hamza was critically injured in the ambush and subsequently airlifted to the Combined Military Hospital in Rawalpindi. He succumbed to his injuries there. The gunmen reportedly escaped before security forces could respond.

Details of the Attack

The February 14, 2019, Pulwama attack involved a suicide bomber driving an explosive-laden car into a bus carrying CRPF personnel. Forty CRPF personnel were killed. The attack was claimed by the Pakistani terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Hamza was designated a terrorist by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This followed a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the attack.

Hamza's Background

Originally from Khar in Pulwama district, Hamza was initially linked to the Al Badr militant group, according to PTI. He later joined another militant group, Al Baraq.

He also allegedly had close ties to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His death raises questions about the involvement of various actors in the region.

What to Watch Next

Investigations into the shooting are likely to continue. Future developments may reveal the identity of the gunmen and their motives, potentially impacting Indo-Pakistani relations and counter-terrorism efforts.