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), according to the Inspector General of Police, AJK.

Based 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. The terrorists opened fire on security forces using automatic weapons instead of surrendering.

In the ensuing exchange of fire, all four militants were killed by the security forces. Two police officers were martyred, and five others were seriously injured during the operation.

IG Police AJK stated that this successful operation demonstrates the professionalism, coordination and resolve of the AJK police force. The timely action not only neutralised a significant terrorist cell but also ensured the safety of civilians and helped maintain peace in the region.

He said 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 radicalising 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, said the IG.

The IG Police AJK also confirmed that on 27 October 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 17 April, 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 defence installations in AJK.