A terrorist group operating under the banner of “Fitna al-Khawarij” has been eliminated in a successful counter-terrorism operation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), as confirmed by the Inspector General of Police, AJK.
Acting on credible intelligence received on May 28, law enforcement agencies launched a prompt operation in the Hussain Kot area, where militant Zarnosh Naseem and his group were reportedly present. Instead of surrendering, the terrorists opened fire on security forces using automatic weapons.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, all four militants were killed by the security forces. During the operation, two police officers were martyred, and five others sustained serious injuries.
The IG Police AJK stated that this successful operation demonstrates the professionalism, coordination, and resolve of the AJK police force. The timely action not only neutralized a significant terrorist cell but also ensured the safety of civilians and helped maintain peace in the region.
He added that “Fitna al-Khawarij” had been attempting to launch a new wave of terrorist activities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. However, due to heightened security, militants Zarnosh Naseem, Ulfat Ali, and Jibran failed to carry out their intended attacks.
Zarnosh Naseem and his associates had been in contact for several months with Afghanistan-based terrorists Dr. Abdul Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad. Both Rauf and Shehzad are accused of radicalizing Kashmiri youth in the name of jihad and orchestrating terrorist acts with the support of Indian state agencies.
Evidence has shown that Kashmiri youth are receiving training in Afghanistan and collaborating with Indian intelligence agencies to carry out terrorist attacks, the IG confirmed.
The IG Police AJK also confirmed that on October 27, 2024, police constable Sajjad was targeted and killed in an attack on a police post. The assassination was later linked to terrorists Zarnosh Naseem, Usama Aslam, and Ulfat Ali.
“These individuals are followers of Fitna al-Khawarij and were acting under the directives of Dr. Abdul Rauf and Ghazi Shehzad,” the IG said.
Earlier, on April 17, the AJK Police had presented evidence confirming that Dr. Abdul Rauf was based in Afghanistan and was actively involved in terrorist activities. He was reportedly using jihadist narratives to indoctrinate Kashmiri youth and had been operating in coordination with Ghazi Shehzad to spread terrorism.
Dr. Rauf and Shehzad were allegedly planning to target government officials, offices, public gatherings, and key defense installations in AJK.
