14 Local Terrorists Named in J&K with Ties to Pakistan Groups; Hizbul Mujahideen, LeT, and JeM Connections Exposed

Security forces carried out search operations on Wednesday

In the aftermath of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Indian security agencies have released the names of 14 local operatives suspected of aiding Pakistan-backed terror groups. These individuals, aged between 20 and 39, are allegedly providing logistical and on-ground support to foreign terrorists operating in the region.

Local Terrorists Aligned with Major Terror Outfits

The identified operatives are reportedly affiliated with three major Pakistan-backed terror outfits: Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Specifically, three of the individuals are linked to Hizbul Mujahideen, eight to LeT, and three to JeM.

The detailed list of names released by security agencies includes:

Adil Rehman Dentoo (21)
Asif Ahmed Sheikh (28)
Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh (23)
Haris Nazir (20)
Aamir Nazir Wani (20)
Yawar Ahmed Bhat
Asif Ahmed Khanday (24)
Naseer Ahmed Wani (21)
Shahid Ahmed Kutay (27)
Aamir Ahmed Dar
Adnan Safi Dar
Zubair Ahmed Wani (39)
Haroon Rashid Ganai (32)
Zakir Ahmed Ganie (29)

This list underscores the alarming trend of local youth being recruited into the ranks of these terrorist organizations, inadvertently contributing to the cycle of violence and instability in the region.

Details of the 14 terrorists

In 2021, Dentoo became the Sopore district commander for the banned terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). In Awantipora, Asif Ahmed Sheikh, the district commander for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), has been actively involved in terrorist operations since 2022, reported Greater Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Ahsan Ahmed Sheikh has been associated with LeT in Pulwama and engaged in terrorist activities continuously since 2023. Haris Nazir, also in Pulwama, has been linked to LeT since 2023, and Aamir Nazir Wani has been involved with JeM since 2024. Yawar Ahmed Bhat is another individual active in Pulwama, connected to JeM since the same year.

In the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, Asif Ahmed Khanday, who joined Hizbul Mujahideen in July 2015, remains an active member aiding Pakistani terrorists.

Naseer Ahmed Wani has also been involved in terrorist activities in Shopian since 2019 as part of LeT, significantly supporting foreign operatives. Additionally, Shahid Ahmed Kutay has been linked with both LeT and its proxy group, The Resistance Front (TRF), since 2023.

Aamir Ahmed Dar, active with LeT in Shopian since 2023, plays a significant role as an aide to foreign terrorists. Adnan Safi Dar has also been working for LeT and TRF since 2024, serving as a conduit for information from Pakistani handlers to local terrorists.

More than 1000+ Bangladeshis & Pakistanis living illegally in India detained by Gujarat Police

Gujarat Police should also investigate who helped them in settling down in India

Police caught the mule owner who appeared on tourist's mobile#IndoPakBorder #PahelgamTerroristattack pic.twitter.com/ysEO4BstZg

— Sumit (@SumitHansd) April 26, 2025

In Anantnag, Zubair Ahmed Wani, a chief operational commander for Hizbul Mujahideen, is categorized as an A+ active terrorist and has been implicated in several attacks on security forces since 2018. Haroon Rashid Ganai, also part of Hizbul Mujahideen, is actively sought by security forces following his training in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir in 2018. Recently, he returned to South Kashmir. Separately, Zubair Ahmed Gani from Kulgam is linked to LeT and has been involved in attacks on security forces and targeted killings.

The identification of these local terrorists comes amidst intensifying efforts by security agencies to dismantle support networks that facilitate cross-border terrorism. The recent attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed—three of whom were identified as Pakistani nationals—has raised urgent concerns about the increasing collaboration between foreign and local terrorists.

Coordinated operations by security forces have been launched throughout South Kashmir, particularly targeting Anantnag and Pulwama, where many of the listed individuals are suspected to be operating.

The release of this list of 14 local active terrorists follows the identification of five individuals involved in the tragic attack on 26 tourists at Baisaran, near Pahalgam, around 2 PM on April 22.

In a major crackdown across Jammu and Kashmir, security forces demolished the homes of 7 terrorists, intensifying efforts to combat militant activities in the region.#JammuAndKashmir #CounterTerrorism #SecurityForces #Terrorism pic.twitter.com/8fC4CWeHrK

— NewsX World (@NewsX) April 26, 2025

Three of the attackers were Pakistani nationals—identified as Asif Fauji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha—while the two local operatives were named Adil Guri and Ahsan. Authorities have also announced a bounty of Rs 20 lakh for each of these individuals.

Enhanced Security Measures in Response to Threats

In light of these revelations, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are intensifying their operations to dismantle the support networks for these terrorists. “We are taking every necessary step to ensure that these networks are disrupted.

The safety and security of our citizens are our top priorities,” stated a senior security official. Increased surveillance, patrolling, and community engagement initiatives are expected to play vital roles in these efforts.

“The fight against terrorism is not just the responsibility of the security forces; it requires collective action from every member of the community,” emphasized a local leader.