Srinagar: In a major breakthrough in its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, the State Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, has obtained an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against designated Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo alias Fayaz alias Sajad.
“This development marks a significant milestone in the investigation of the 2013 Tarzoo (Hygam) terrorist attack case,” the SIA said in a statement issued here, adding, “The issuance of the Red Corner Notice underscores the dedicated and meticulous investigative work carried out by SIA Kashmir and demonstrates the Agency’s unwavering commitment to bringing terrorists involved in heinous crimes to justice, regardless of their location.”
The notice, the agency said, will aid international law enforcement agencies in locating, apprehending, and pursuing legal proceedings for the extradition of the accused to India for trial.
The statement reads, “The case relates to an ambush carried out on 26 April 2013 at Peer Mohalla, Hygam, Sopore, where terrorists armed with automatic weapons attacked a police party, resulting in the martyrdom of four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel. This was one of the most serious terrorist strikes against security forces during that period. Initially registered at Police Station Tarzoo, Sopore, the case was transferred to SIA Kashmir in 2024 for a thorough investigation. Following extensive efforts involving detailed evidence collection, witness examinations, and reconstruction of the conspiracy, SIA Kashmir completed the investigation and filed a comprehensive chargesheet in July 2024 before the appropriate trial court against six accused individuals.”
During the investigation and subsequent operations, two accused—Tariq Ahmad Mir of Kalamabad, Handwara, and Qayoom Najar of Batapora, Sopore—were neutralized in encounters with security forces. The remaining three accused—Javid Ahmad Mattoo and Rouf Najar of Sopore, and Ahmadullah Malla of Dalal Mohalla, Srinagar—were arrested and are currently facing trial, the SIA said, adding that the sixth and principal accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, remains absconding and is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan.
A resident of Kraltang, Sopore, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo has been an active militant and commander of Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. “Due to his ongoing involvement in terrorist activities, he was designated as a Terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022,” the statement said.
“Investigations by SIA Kashmir have conclusively established Kandoo’s vital role in the Hygam attack and his involvement in a broader network of terrorist operations. Besides this case, he is wanted in at least ten additional terror-related cases involving attacks, targeted killings (resulting in over 15 deaths), arms smuggling, and narco-terror financing. Despite persistent efforts, he had evaded arrest and remained at large,” the agency said.
The statement added, “The successful issuance of the Interpol Red Corner Notice against Kandoo is a significant operational achievement for SIA Kashmir. It highlights the Agency’s growing capacity to conduct complex terror investigations, pursue fugitives across international borders, and utilize global policing mechanisms to ensure accountability for acts of terrorism. SIA Kashmir remains committed to dismantling terrorist networks, apprehending absconding terrorists and their support systems, and ensuring that those responsible for acts of terror are brought to justice through all available legal and international channels.”
2013 Tarzoo attack case: SIA Kashmir secures Interpol Red Corner notice against Hizb
