Anti-Terror Sentiment Surges In PoK As Locals Expel LeT Leader; Administration Responds Firmly

In a rare public backlash against militant presence, residents of Kuiyaan village in PoK forced Rizwan Hanif, the local commander of the JKUM faction of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), to flee the area along with his armed bodyguards.

The incident marks growing discontent with the continued terror activities that have destabilised life in the region.

Call for a Public Jirga

In response to increasing militant interference, residents have proposed a public Jirga—a traditional community council—to collectively oppose recruitment drives and extremist activity.

The planned gathering is expected to formalise community resistance against terrorist groups.

Terrorist Killed in Srinagar Linked to LeT

Meanwhile, in Harwan, Srinagar, Indian security forces neutralised Habib Tahir, an active militant reportedly trained and recruited by LeT.

His involvement adds to the list of foreign-trained operatives entering Indian territory from PoK.

Family Rejects Terror Group at Funeral

Habib Tahir’s family, in an unexpected move, barred LeT from participating in his funeral in absentia, held on 30 July 2025 at 1600 hrs.

Despite this, Rizwan Hanif and his armed companions made an uninvited appearance, triggering public anger.

Gun Threat Sparks Public Outrage

The situation escalated when Rizwan’s nephew, part of his security detail, allegedly threatened mourners with a gun.

The act provoked an immediate reaction from villagers, leading to a public pursuit and heated confrontation, further exposing the growing intolerance towards terror influence.

Signs of Policy Shift

Recent incidents suggest a shift in the local administration’s approach, with stricter monitoring of public events suspected to involve terror sympathisers.

Police have taken proactive steps to disrupt gatherings organised by extremist elements.

In a separate development, Nauman Shehzad, a resident of Kothiyan, PoK, sought permission to organise a conference in Khurahat, Tehsil Hari Ghel, District Bagh.

Authorities denied the request upon learning that some attendees might be armed.

They imposed a ban and instructed organisers to refrain from holding the event. The SDM Hari Ghel and SHO City Bagh received clear directives to strictly enforce the order.

The events unfolding in PoK indicate a rising civilian resistance against terrorist networks.

Combined with administrative crackdowns, this momentum reflects a growing desire among Kashmiris in PoK for peace, safety, and autonomy from extremist influence.

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