Sopore Police attach property of Hizbul Mujahideen handler based in Pakistan
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Sopore Police in Jammu and Kashmir have attached the immovable property of a Hizbul Mujahideen terror handler who illegally crossed into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) for arms training and is now directing terror operations from across the border. The action, announced on Friday, 15 May, forms part of a sustained crackdown on terror networks operating in the region.
Who Was Targeted
The proclaimed offender has been identified as Ghulam Mohammad Bhat alias Hyder, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Bhat, and a resident of Rohama town in Baramulla district. According to police, investigations established that he had illegally crossed into PoK to obtain arms and ammunition training and is currently coordinating terror activities as part of the Hizbul Mujahideen network from Pakistan.
Properties Attached and Legal Basis
The attachment proceedings were carried out in collaboration with the Revenue Department and covered two parcels of land: six Marlas at Daengrut Rohama and 10 Marlas at Reshinar Rohama, with the combined value described as running into lakhs of rupees. The action was initiated under an FIR registered at Panzalla Police Station under Section 2/3 of the Egress and Internal Movement (Control) Ordinance (EIMCO) Act. A court had earlier declared Bhat a proclaimed offender under Section 88 of the CrPC after he evaded legal proceedings for a prolonged period despite sustained efforts to apprehend him.
How the Attachment Was Carried Out
The proceedings were executed in the presence of Revenue officials and independent witnesses after due verification through revenue records and a local inquiry, with all prescribed legal formalities observed. Police confirmed that the process was conducted in full compliance with court orders.
Sopore Police Statement
'Sopore Police reiterated their firm commitment to continue lawful and strict action against individuals involved in terrorism, terror financing, harbouring, or supporting terrorist organisations in any manner,' the official statement read. Authorities described the action as part of continued efforts to dismantle the terror ecosystem and disrupt networks engaged in activities prejudicial to the security and integrity of the nation.
Broader Context
This is not an isolated move. Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir have intensified property attachment proceedings against terror-linked individuals and their facilitators in recent months, using revenue and legal mechanisms to choke the financial and logistical support structures of banned outfits. The Hizbul Mujahideen, one of the oldest militant groups operating in the Kashmir Valley, has long maintained a cross-border presence in PoK, using it as a base for recruitment and operational planning. Notably, this action signals a sharper focus on handlers operating remotely from Pakistani territory rather than only targeting ground-level operatives within the Valley.