Jaish Terrorist Commander Shaves Beard and Wears Burqa to Escape Security Forces
Jaish commander Saifullah shaves beard, wears burqa to dodge capture in J&K manhunt.
In a bid to slip through an ironclad security cordon, Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) commander Saifullah has undergone a dramatic transformation, shaving off his signature beard and possibly his head to adopt a bald, unassuming look, according to intelligence sources. The Pakistani terrorist, long a thorn in India's counter-terrorism efforts, is now reportedly acquiring women's clothing and burqas for deeper disguise, while cunningly posing as a spiritual guru to exploit rural piety in Jammu and Kashmir's remote heights.
Senior Superintendent of Police Doda, Sandeep Mehta, confirmed: "We have inputs that he has acquired women's clothing and burqas, planning to disguise himself for escape." To counter this, authorities released dual posters depicting Saifullah's pre- and post-transformation appearances, urging locals in Kishtwar and Doda districts to report sightings immediately via dedicated hotlines.
Saifullah's gambit comes amid a grueling two-month operation by Indian security forces, who have combed treacherous terrains at altitudes exceeding 12,000 feet under harsh winter conditions. The manhunt intensified after the January 19 bust of his fortified "Kargil-style" bunker in Kishtwar—a painstakingly carved hideout stocked with rations for prolonged sieges. This raid followed the elimination of his key associate, Pakistani JeM commander Adil, in a fierce encounter in Chhatroo's forests, where Adil had operated alongside Saifullah for two years.
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A security officer disclosed: "For some locals, he has acquired the status of a revered spiritual figure, leveraging this image to secure logistical support." This tactic mirrors JeM's historical playbook of blending into communities, as seen in past operations like the 2019 Pulwama attack orchestrated by affiliates.
Forces from the Indian Army, CRPF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police are deploying drones, thermal imaging, and informant networks across the Pir Panjal range, where militants like Saifullah disrupt fragile peace in these far-flung areas. His gang's presence has terrorized locals, prompting renewed vows from agencies to neutralize threats and restore security.
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