Gurez Gunfight Ends the Legacy of ‘Human GPS’: Bagu Khan Neutralised in Decades-Long Infiltration Network

Srinagar, August 31, 2025 – In a major counter-terrorism success, security forces have eliminated Bagu Khan—infamously known as the “Human GPS”—in a fierce encounter in the Gurez sector of north Kashmir on August 28. Khan, a veteran facilitator of cross-border militancy, had guided infiltrators through treacherous Himalayan terrain for nearly three decades.

Operation Naushera Nar IV: A Precision Strike

Based on intelligence inputs provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding an imminent infiltration bid, the Army launched Operation Naushera Nar IV in the Gurez sector of Bandipora.

Alert troops noticed suspicious movement along the Line of Control. When challenged, the infiltrators opened fire, prompting a swift counter-response. In the ensuing gunfight, two militants were killed—one identified as Bagu Khan and the other believed to be a Pakistani national.

Who Was Bagu Khan?

• Aliases and Background: Known by several names including Samandar Chacha and Chaudhary, Bagu Khan originally hailed from Bandipora. In 1995, he crossed over into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) for training. Initially joining Hizbul Mujahideen, over time he also worked with Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

• Strategic Role: His reputation came not from gunfights but from his unmatched skill in logistics. For nearly 30 years, he served as a guide for infiltrators, escorting them across dangerous ridges, icy passes, and dense forests.

Why the Nickname “Human GPS”?

Bagu Khan earned the tag “Human GPS” because of his extraordinary navigation skills in some of the world’s toughest terrain.

• He could find hidden trails, safe river crossings, and escape routes across the Line of Control.

• He guided militants without maps or devices, relying only on his memory and deep knowledge of the terrain.

• Officials credit him with facilitating over 100 infiltration attempts, most of them successful.

This rare ability made him indispensable to Pakistan-based terror outfits. His brain effectively functioned like a living navigation system, allowing militants to move undetected through high-altitude terrain where even modern technology often fails.

Why His Killing Matters

• A Major Setback to Terror Networks: Security officials describe Khan’s killing as a serious blow to infiltration logistics. His unmatched knowledge made him a “living archive” of secret routes and tactics. With his death, terror outfits will struggle to replace him.

• Impact on Infiltration: Analysts believe future infiltration attempts may slow down as there are few guides with comparable expertise in high-altitude terrain.

• Part of a Larger Push: This year, 16 militants have been killed in Kashmir, including three top Lashkar operatives linked to the April Pahalgam attack. Khan’s elimination adds to this list of high-profile operational successes.

Wider Security Developments

• Pulwama Property Seizure: J&K Police attached immovable property belonging to Gulzar Ahmad Dar, father of Al-Badr terrorist Arjumand Gulzar alias Hamza Bhai. Police also warned the public against providing shelter or support to militants, cautioning that strict legal action would follow.

• Bihar on Alert: In another development, Bihar police issued a high-security alert after intelligence suggested three Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives had crossed over from Nepal. Their photos and details have been circulated across districts.

End of the “Human GPS” Era

The elimination of Bagu Khan is seen as one of the most significant counter-terror achievements in recent years. For decades, he was the invisible hand enabling infiltration across some of the world’s toughest mountain terrain. His death marks the end of an era for cross-border militancy in Kashmir—removing a key bridge between handlers in Pakistan and militants on Indian soil.