Quick Glance
- Hamza Burhan, linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, was shot dead in Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
- Indian authorities had declared him a terrorist under UAPA in 2022.
- Burhan reportedly played a major role in radicalisation and terror recruitment in South Kashmir.
- Security experts say the killing may weaken Pakistan-backed terror networks operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Agartala/New Delhi, May 21: A sense of ‘Justice delivered’ feeling prevailed in Tripura as unidentified gunmen killed the 2019 Pulwama terror attack plotter Hamza Burhan in the PoK. Common people hailed the elimination of the alleged conspirator today. People in tea stalls, with mobiles on their hands, showing relevant social media posts and were discussing the killing. The ambience was filled with relief, solace and gratitude for the unknown gunmen who shot dead the condemned terror mastermind.
“Dhurandhar struck”, said a College student Arnab Saha with a clenched fist. Sitting at the stairs in the Agartala City Center, he and his friends were glancing through social media posts regarding the news of the killing.
Hamza Burhan, an alleged conspirator in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack, died after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The killing comes amid a growing series of targeted attacks on senior terror operatives linked to Pakistan-based militant outfits active in Jammu and Kashmir.
Hamza Burhan Shot Dead in Muzaffarabad
Hamza Burhan reportedly came under attack in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). According to sources, unidentified gunmen fired multiple rounds at him at close range before escaping from the area.
He sustained critical gunshot wounds and reportedly died on the spot. Authorities in Pakistan have not yet issued any detailed official statement regarding the incident.
Burhan had emerged as a key operative linked to terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian security agencies considered him an important figure in Pakistan-backed militant networks operating across the Valley.
Declared Terrorist Under UAPA
The Indian government officially designated Hamza Burhan as a terrorist in 2022 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Authorities had identified him as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, also known by aliases including Hamza Burhan and Doctor. Officials stated that he belonged to Kharbatpora village in Ratnipora area of Pulwama district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security agencies had linked him to the banned terror organisation Al Badr.
Journey from Pulwama to Pakistan
Investigators stated that Burhan travelled to Pakistan in 2017, claiming he wanted to pursue higher education. However, intelligence agencies later found that he joined Al Badr shortly after reaching Pakistan.
He reportedly underwent terror training and ideological indoctrination before rising rapidly within the organisation. Within a short period, he became a commander in the outfit.
After his training, Burhan allegedly returned to Kashmir and focused on recruiting young people into militant organisations. His operations mainly targeted South Kashmir districts.
Security agencies also accused him of strengthening terror modules in Pulwama and Shopian.
Pulwama Attack Still Haunts India
The 2019 Pulwama terror attack remains one of the deadliest attacks on Indian security forces.
On February 14, 2019, a suicide bomber targeted a CRPF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway near Lethapora in Pulwama district. The attacker rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into one of the buses in the convoy.
The attack killed 40 CRPF personnel and shocked the entire country.
The Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the strike. Investigators later identified the suicide bomber as Adil Ahmad Dar.
India responded strongly after the attack. The Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training facility in Balakot, Pakistan.
Series of Attacks on Terror Operatives in Pakistan
Hamza Burhan’s death adds to a growing list of targeted killings involving senior terror operatives inside Pakistan.
Earlier this month, Lashkar-e-Taiba operative Farman Ali died in a shooting incident in Muridke. In April, unidentified attackers killed Lashkar commander Sheikh Yousuf Afridi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
During the same month, Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Amir Hamza also faced a gun attack in Lahore. However, he survived the assault.
Earlier this year, Pakistani Army Lieutenant Colonel Imran Dayal, allegedly connected to the Pahalgam terror attack, was killed in Dera Ismail Khan.
In October 2025, Jaish-e-Mohammed operative Mushtaq alias Ghazi Baba was also shot dead near Peshawar.
Last year, Lashkar commander Razaullah Nizamani alias Abu Saifullah Khalid died in a similar shooting in Sindh province’s Matli area.
Pakistan has not released conclusive findings in most of these cases.
Terror Networks Facing Pressure
Security experts believe these repeated attacks have disrupted the command structure of several Pakistan-based terror groups.
Over the past two years, several top commanders associated with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed have either been killed or targeted by unknown gunmen.
Indian intelligence agencies reportedly observed a decline in recruitment activities within terror outfits after these incidents.
Officials also believe that Operation Sindoor weakened the operational capabilities of militant groups attempting to revive activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
News Analysis
The killing of Hamza Burhan highlights the increasing instability within terror ecosystems operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Several high-profile militants linked to anti-India operations have faced targeted attacks in recent years.
Security analysts believe these developments may weaken the operational strength of terror outfits such as Al Badr, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The repeated elimination of commanders can create leadership gaps and disrupt recruitment networks.
At the same time, the incidents raise serious questions about internal security challenges inside Pakistan. Many attacks remain unsolved, while authorities continue to avoid detailed public disclosures.
For India, the development carries strategic significance because Burhan allegedly played a role in radicalisation and terror expansion in South Kashmir after the Pulwama attack.
Pulwama Attack Data
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Attack Date | February 14, 2019 |
| Location | Lethapora, Pulwama |
| Target | CRPF Convoy |
| Terror Outfit | Jaish-e-Mohammed |
| CRPF Personnel Killed | 40 |
| Suicide Bomber | Adil Ahmad Dar |
| Indian Response | Balakot Airstrike |
FAQ Section
Q. Who was Hamza Burhan?
Hamza Burhan, also known as Arjumand Gulzar Dar and Doctor, was a terror operative linked to the banned outfit Al Badr. Indian authorities accused him of involvement in terror recruitment and radicalisation activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. Where was Hamza Burhan killed?
He was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, located in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Q. Why is the Pulwama attack significant?
The Pulwama attack of February 2019 killed 40 CRPF personnel and became one of the deadliest terror attacks on Indian security forces. The incident sharply escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.