SIA Secures Global Red Corner Notice Against Wanted Hizbul Mujahideen Commander

DNI SUMMARY — KEY POINTS

• The State Investigation Agency of Jammu and Kashmir has successfully secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice against the wanted terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo.
• Kandoo is the primary suspect in the 2013 Hygam terror ambush that resulted in the tragic deaths of four police officers in Sopore.
• This international legal instrument will assist global law enforcement agencies in locating and initiating extradition proceedings to bring the accused back to India.
• Official reports indicate that Kandoo is linked to at least ten other terror cases involving targeted killings and illicit financing of militant operations.
• The investigation, which gained momentum in 2024, has already resulted in the arrest or elimination of several other suspects involved in the conspiracy.

The State Investigation Agency of Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a major breakthrough in its counter-terrorism efforts by securing an Interpol Red Corner Notice against the high-profile terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. Often referred to by his aliases Fayaz and Sajad, the accused is widely considered a key operative of the banned organization Hizbul Mujahideen. This development marks a significant escalation in the pursuit of justice for the brutal 2013 attack in Sopore, signaling a robust international approach by Indian authorities to track down fugitives who have fled across borders.

Breakthrough in Sopore Terror Case

The 2013 terror strike occurred at Peer Mohalla in Hygam, where heavily armed militants launched a surprise ambush against a police party. This incident resulted in the martyrdom of four dedicated Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel who were performing their official duties. After the case was transferred to the state-level agency in 2024, investigators performed a forensic reconstruction of the conspiracy, leading to the identification of six primary suspects. The comprehensive chargesheet filed last year served as the legal foundation for the recent international request for apprehension.

Evidence uncovered during the investigation suggests that the activities of the accused extend far beyond the single incident in Sopore. Official records indicate that Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo is currently wanted in connection with at least ten additional cases involving severe violence, including targeted killings of civilians and security personnel. Furthermore, the agency has linked him to a sprawling network of narco-terror financing and the illegal smuggling of arms and ammunition, which continues to pose a persistent threat to peace and stability in the Kashmir valley region.

Evidence of Broad Criminal Network

The process of dismantling the militant network associated with this attack has seen both legal and operational successes over the past several months. Two of the six identified suspects, Tariq Ahmad Mir and Qayoom Najar, were eliminated during encounters with security forces as the investigation progressed. Meanwhile, three other individuals, Javid Ahmad Mattoo, Rouf Najar, and Ahmadullah Malla, have been successfully apprehended by law enforcement agencies. These individuals are currently facing formal trial, while the primary accused remains the main focus for international extradition efforts.

Designated as an individual terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022, the accused has been a central figure in militant operations since 2010. His ability to evade arrest for over a decade has been a point of concern for state authorities, who believe he has successfully exfiltrated to Pakistan to coordinate further illicit activities from abroad. The Red Corner Notice serves as a powerful deterrent, forcing the suspect to remain within a limited geographic sphere while exposing him to the scrutiny of international police cooperation.

Operational Successes and Legal Progress

The issuance of this global notice is a result of a painstaking and professional investigation led by the SIA Kashmir team, which has prioritized the collection of digital and human intelligence to build a watertight case. By formalizing the charges through the Interpol framework, the Indian government has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence are held accountable. This strategy reflects a broader policy shift towards utilizing international legal mechanisms to curb the influence of militants who operate beyond domestic jurisdictions.

Coordination between federal agencies and international counterparts remains the primary challenge in executing the extradition process. With the notice now active, authorities across member countries are tasked with locating the fugitive and providing the necessary cooperation for his return. This collaborative effort is essential for breaking the cycle of impunity that has allowed high-ranking commanders to operate with minimal consequence. The Interpol intervention represents a critical bridge between local investigative findings and the global objective of suppressing transnational terrorist networks and their various financiers.

International Cooperation for Extradition

Looking ahead, the successful prosecution of the remaining suspects currently in custody will likely yield additional evidence that could strengthen the case against the absconding mastermind. The agency expects that the pressure created by this international warrant will provide valuable intelligence regarding the operational logistics of the Hizbul Mujahideen and its supporters. As the judicial process continues, the focus will remain on dismantling the remaining support structures that facilitated these crimes, thereby ensuring that the victims of the 2013 ambush receive the justice they and their families deserve.