MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Inspector General (IG) of the police of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) has revealed fresh and alarming evidence of Indian-backed terrorism in Azad Kashmir, exposing a complex network of militant activities orchestrated from across the border.
Addressing a press conference in Muzaffarabad on Thursday, the Azad Kashmir police chief, Rana Abdul Jabbar, said that on April 17, AJK police presented concrete evidence of the presence of wanted terrorist Dr Abdur Rauf in Afghanistan.
He added that Dr Rauf is persuading young Kashmiris to join his radical views under the slogan of jihad, which is significant in promoting terrorism in the region.
Furthermore, IGP added that Rauf has support from Ghazi Shehzad, a major associate of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TT-RJ) group. Together, they are accused of promoting extremist ideologies and organizing violent acts in the name of religion.
Their primary targets, according to security reports, include government officials, public offices, civilian gatherings, and critical defence installations within Pakistan and Azad Kashmir.
Some radicalized youth from Kashmir appear to have trained in Afghanistan and support Indian intelligence in planning acts of terrorism.
During his press conference, the IG brought attention to the incident where Constable Sajjad was killed at a police checkpoint in AJK on October 27, 2024.
The attack was allegedly carried out by militants Zarnosh Naseem, Osama Aslam, and Ulfat Ali, all reportedly linked to the extremist faction “Fitna al-Khawarij,” and operating under the directives of Dr Abdur Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad.
The IG warned that Fitna al-Khawarij is attempting to launch a new wave of terrorism in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to stringent security measures, militants like Zarnosh Naseem, Ulfat Ali, and Jibran were unable to execute further attacks.
It was revealed that over the past few months, Naseem and his associates remained in contact with Dr Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad while operating from Afghanistan.
Acting on verified intelligence received on May 28, 2025, police launched a swift counterterrorism operation in the Hussein Kot area, where the militant group was reportedly hiding.
During the raid, terrorists opened fire with automatic weapons instead of surrendering, prompting a fierce gun battle. Security personnel took out all four militants who were part of the conflict.
Unfortunately, two police officers gave their lives, and five others received serious injuries when shots were exchanged.
The IGP AJK said this operation was a huge success and revealed the professional, collaborative, and unshakable work of the police force in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Taking immediate action enabled authorities to stop a serious terrorist group and preserve the safety of everyone in the area, he added.
