Interpol Red Corner Notice Issued Against Hizbul Commander Imtiyaz Kandoo

DNI SUMMARY — KEY POINTS

• The State Investigation Agency of Jammu and Kashmir has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo.
• The legal action stems from his alleged orchestration of a 2013 terror attack in Tarzoo which resulted in the deaths of four police personnel.
• Investigators claim Kandoo, who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan, is wanted for his involvement in at least ten other terror-related cases.
• Security officials emphasize that this development is a major milestone in their ongoing mission to extradite fugitives responsible for past acts of violence.
• While two suspects were previously killed in encounters, three other individuals have been arrested and are currently facing trial for their roles.

The State Investigation Agency of Jammu and Kashmir has successfully secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against the designated Hizbul Mujahideen commander Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. This significant development aims to facilitate the international tracking and eventual extradition of the militant who is suspected to be operating from Pakistan. The notice serves as a critical tool for global law enforcement to detain the accused, who remains a primary target for his alleged orchestration of the violent ambush that occurred over a decade ago in the region.

International Hunt For Fugitive

The incident in question took place on April 26, 2013, when armed terrorists ambushed a police party stationed at Peer Mohalla in Hygam. The attack resulted in the tragic martyrdom of four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel who were targeted while performing their duties. Initially registered at the local police station in Tarzoo, the case was later transferred to the state's premier investigation body in 2024 to ensure a comprehensive and modern analysis of the evidence surrounding the conspiracy.

During the extensive investigation, the agency conducted a meticulous review of witness testimonies and forensic evidence to piece together the events of the attack. This process led to the filing of a detailed chargesheet in July 2024 against six individuals deemed responsible for the operation. While the law has successfully held some participants accountable, the agency continues to pursue the main mastermind through both domestic legal channels and now the international platform provided by Interpol to ensure justice for the fallen officers.

Evidence Leads To Chargesheet

The investigation revealed that the network involved in the attack included several operatives who have since been neutralized. Two of the identified suspects, Tariq Ahmad Mir and Qayoom Najar, were eliminated during security force encounters. Three others, including Javid Ahmad Mattoo, remain in custody and are currently facing the judicial process. This progress highlights the persistent efforts of regional security agencies to dismantle the support structures that allowed such militants to remain at large for many years.

Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, who also uses the aliases Fayaz and Sajad, has been a central figure in the Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. Following his long-term involvement in extremist activities, the Indian government officially designated him as an individual terrorist in October 2022. His reach extends far beyond the 2013 attack, with authorities linking him to at least ten additional cases involving targeted killings, the smuggling of illegal arms, and complex narco-terror financing schemes throughout the valley.

Pressure On Hidden Networks

The issuance of this international notice signifies a hardening stance by Indian authorities against high-ranking militants hiding across borders. By utilizing global platforms, the state aims to overcome jurisdictional barriers that often hamper the pursuit of fugitives. This move is being viewed by security analysts as a vital step in forcing accountability for past acts of terror, while simultaneously sending a clear signal to other fugitives that the statute of limitations on their heinous crimes remains firmly in place.

Operational success in this case has been bolstered by the consolidation of cold cases under the specialized agency tasked with handling complex terror investigations. By combining fresh evidence with historical analysis, the state has managed to build a robust legal case that withstood judicial scrutiny. The focus now shifts toward diplomatic and international pressure to secure the custody of the absconding commander, who remains the primary missing piece in the agency’s quest to fully close this tragic chapter of violence.

Justice For Fallen Officers

Looking forward, the agency plans to continue its rigorous pursuit of all individuals linked to the Hygam attack and its associated network. Officials indicate that the documentation supporting the Interpol alert is comprehensive and provides sufficient grounds for foreign law enforcement to initiate detention proceedings. As the trial for the three arrested suspects moves forward, the pressure on the remaining wanted fugitives continues to mount, reinforcing the state's commitment to delivering justice to the families of the victims of the 2013 incident.

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