Hamza Burhan, a key operative linked to the Pakistan-backed terror outfit Al-Badr, who also worked as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) during the Pulwama terror attack period, has been killed in Pakistan-occupied
Kashmir (PoK), according to security sources.
Officials described his killing as a significant setback to the outfit’s propaganda, recruitment and radicalisation network operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sources said Hamza Burhan played a central role in creating and distributing posters, videos and online radicalisation material used by Al-Badr to recruit local youth and spread anti-India propaganda in Kashmir.
His work was considered a major component of the terror outfit’s “narrative warfare” strategy aimed at glamorising militancy and influencing vulnerable youngsters.
According to security officials, Hamza Burhan was instrumental in recruiting young boys and allegedly encouraging them to pick up weapons and become involved in drug-related activities.
Several such recruits were later booked under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), sources said.
Officials alleged that he played a supporting role within militant networks operating in the Valley.
Sources indicated that he was killed in an internal Al-Badr gang war in PoK, reportedly linked to disputes over the distribution of money within the terror outfit.
Officials said such internal rivalries and funding disputes have increasingly weakened Pakistan-backed terror organisations operating from across the Line of Control (LoC).
Security sources termed the development a “success in the information domain”, saying forces have consistently targeted handlers, recruiters and ideologues involved in hybrid radicalisation networks.
According to officials, terror outfits have increasingly relied on digital propaganda and psychological influence campaigns after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials said Hamza Burhan’s elimination would directly weaken Al-Badr’s ability to recruit youth, glamourise militancy and spread anti-India propaganda in the Valley.
“Neutralising a poster-maker and handler who allegedly lured youth into militancy through deception is a major operational and psychological setback for the organisation,” sources said.
Security agencies further stated that Hamza Burhan was linked to division and command-level activities as well as cross-LoC operations associated with Al-Badr.
His killing, they said, impacts a Pakistan-backed outfit that has attempted to revive itself post-Article 370 through targeted attacks and recruitment drives.
Officials added that the incident also reflects effective intelligence penetration and operational reach even inside PoK, forcing terror outfits to reorganise their networks and command structures.
