Hamza Burhan, Mastermind of Pulwama Attack, Killed in Pakistan

In a significant development, Hamza Burhan, a key figure in the Pulwama attack, has been killed by unknown assailants in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions within terrorist networks in the region. The National Investigation Agency has also revealed details about a recent attack in Pahalgam, linking it to Pakistan-based terrorist organizations. As India continues its fight against terrorism, these events underscore the persistent support that terrorist activities receive from across the border. The investigation is ongoing, and the implications of these developments are profound for regional security.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 17:26 IST

Significant Development in India's Fight Against Terrorism

A crucial event has unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir amidst India's ongoing battle against terrorism. Hamza Burhan, who was implicated in the Pulwama attack, has been shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Reports indicate that he was shot multiple times in Muzaffarabad, leading to his demise. This incident is believed to reflect the escalating tensions and internal conflicts within the terrorist networks operating in Pakistan.

Burhan's Background and Terrorist Designation

In 2022, the Indian government designated Hamza Burhan as a terrorist. His real name was Arjumand Gulzar Dar, and he was also known by aliases such as Hamza Burhan and Doctor. A resident of Khurbatpora Ratnipora in Pulwama, he was affiliated with the Al-Badr terrorist organization and played an active role in orchestrating the Pulwama attack.

The Infamous Pulwama Attack

The 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack, which occurred in the Lethpora area along the Jammu-Srinagar highway, stands as one of the deadliest terrorist incidents in India. A suicide bomber from Jaish-e-Mohammed, Adil Ahmad Dar, rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into a convoy of the Central Reserve Police Force, resulting in the deaths of forty soldiers. Following this attack, tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically, prompting India to conduct significant airstrikes against terrorist targets.

NIA's Revelations on the Pahalgam Attack

Meanwhile, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made significant revelations regarding a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that occurred in April 2025. According to the agency's charge sheet, the entire conspiracy for this attack was orchestrated in Pakistan, with operations managed from there. The attack in the Baisaran Valley resulted in the deaths of twenty-six tourists and was considered a severe blow to Jammu and Kashmir's tourism sector.

Collaboration of Terrorist Organizations

The NIA reported that the attack was executed by Lashkar-e-Taiba in collaboration with its affiliate, The Resistance Front. Investigations revealed that a terrorist known as Saifullah, also referred to as Sajid Jatt or Langra, was directing the operation from Lahore, Pakistan. He was in constant communication with the attackers, providing real-time information and location details on the day of the assault.

Pre-Attack Reconnaissance

Prior to the attack, Saifullah dispatched terrorists Faisal Jatt, also known as Suleiman, Habib Tahir, and Hamza Afghani to conduct reconnaissance in the Baisaran Valley and surrounding areas. These operatives studied the security arrangements and tourist activities. On the day of the attack, they maintained contact with Lahore to receive strategic instructions.

Deceptive Propaganda by Terrorist Groups

The NIA also uncovered that terrorist organizations based in Pakistan launched a false propaganda campaign to mislead the world. Immediately after the attack, The Resistance Front claimed responsibility via their Telegram channel. However, as international criticism mounted and the United Nations Security Council condemned the attack, the organization backtracked, asserting that their channel had been hacked.

Technical Findings of the NIA

Technical investigations by the NIA revealed that a Telegram channel named Kashmir Fight was operated from Batagram in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, while another channel was managed from Rawalpindi. The agency concluded that this entire deceptive campaign was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terrorist organizations to create confusion globally.

Evidence of Pakistani Involvement

The investigation also revealed that two mobile phones recovered from the slain terrorists were purchased in Pakistan. One phone was sent to an address in Lahore's Quaid-e-Azam Industrial Area, while the other was bought from Karachi's Shahrah area, further strengthening evidence of Pakistan's direct involvement.

Local Support for Terrorists

The NIA indicated that two local individuals, Parvez and Bashir Ahmad, assisted the terrorists who arrived from Pakistan by providing them with shelter and escape routes.

India's Response to Terrorism

In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist bases and military infrastructure within Pakistan. Utilizing precision-guided bombs, drones, and cruise missiles, the Indian Air Force destroyed several launch pads of Lashkar-e-Taiba and inflicted significant damage on Pakistan's air defense systems and other critical military assets.

Conclusion

These events have once again highlighted that terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir continues to receive persistent support and protection from Pakistan. Indian investigative agencies and security forces are actively working to expose and dismantle the entire terrorist network.