Hizbul Mujahideen Terrorist Ulfat Hussain Arrested in Poonch After 17 Years on the Run

In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Ulfat Hussain was arrested from Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, in a joint operation by the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Saharanpur and Kathgarh Police. His arrest comes after 17 years of evading law enforcement, despite multiple warrants and a reward on his head.

A Fugitive's Long Escape Ends

Hussain had a long history of involvement in terrorist activities. In 2002, he was arrested along with four others when police recovered a huge cache of detonators, explosives, and pistols from him. However, he was released on remand in 2008 but failed to appear in court despite repeated summons and warrants. As a result, authorities issued a permanent warrant valid for 50 years, and a reward of ₹25,000 was placed on him.

The Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After years of surveillance and intelligence gathering, the ATS and police successfully tracked down Hussain in Poonch. Superintendent of Police (SP) Ranvijay Singh confirmed the arrest, stating that the fugitive had been presented in court immediately after being taken into custody. Further investigations are now underway to uncover his recent activities and possible connections with active terror networks.

Wider Crackdown on Hizbul Mujahideen

The arrest of Ulfat Hussain comes at a time when Indian security agencies have intensified their crackdown on Hizbul Mujahideen. Earlier in 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had attached the property of the banned group in connection with the targeted killing of Adoora-Kulgam Sarpanch. In this case, Nasir Rashid Bhat—a known member of the group—was involved in the assassination of a village Sarpanch on March 11, 2022, to spread fear in the region.

Under Section 33(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1947, the NIA confiscated Bhat's residential house in Tengpora village, Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir. This move marked another significant step in the effort to dismantle the terror group's infrastructure and financial backing.

Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures

With Hussain now in custody, authorities are expected to question him about his role in past and present terror activities. His arrest underscores India's relentless efforts in curbing terrorism and ensuring that fugitives involved in anti-national activities face justice, no matter how long they evade the law.