‘Human GPS’ Terrorist Bagu Khan Killed in J&K Encounter

Indian security forces achieved a major breakthrough in Jammu and Kashmir’s Gurez sector, neutralizing Bagu Khan, a notorious Hizbul Mujahideen commander known as “Human GPS” for his role in over 100 infiltration attempts since 1995. Khan, also called “Samundar Chacha,” was killed alongside another Pakistani terrorist during a joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on August 23, thwarting an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Bandipora district.

The operation, dubbed Naushera Nar IV, was launched based on intelligence from the Jammu and Kashmir Police about a potential infiltration in the rugged Gurez sector, which borders Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On August 28, alert troops spotted suspicious movement near the Nowshera Naar area and challenged the intruders. The terrorists opened indiscriminate fire, prompting a swift retaliation that neutralized Khan and his associate. The Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps confirmed the killings, stating, “Troops responded with effective fire, neutralizing two terrorists.”

Bagu Khan, a resident of Muzaffarabad in PoK, was a key figure in cross-border terrorism, leveraging his intimate knowledge of Gurez’s treacherous terrain and secret routes to guide infiltrators. Security sources describe him as a mastermind who facilitated most of the successful infiltration bids over three decades, earning the moniker “Human GPS” for his navigational prowess. His identity was confirmed through documents recovered at the site, which also linked him to Hizbul Mujahideen, though he reportedly aided multiple terror groups.

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Khan’s elimination is a significant blow to terror networks, disrupting their logistical operations in Gurez and nearby sectors. “His death marks the end of a major terror facilitator who ensured the success of numerous infiltration attempts,” a security official told India Today. The second terrorist, also Pakistani, remains unidentified, with search operations ongoing to secure the area.

The Gurez encounter follows heightened security measures in Jammu and Kashmir, with recent posts on X indicating tightened security in the Jammu division and additional CRPF deployments to counter possible infiltrations. The operation underscores India’s ongoing efforts to secure the LoC, with 4,139 ceasefire violations reported by Pakistan in 2024 alone, according to government data. Khan’s long evasion of authorities, operating from PoK since 1995, highlights the challenges of countering experienced facilitators in the region’s complex terrain.

Security agencies view this as a strategic victory, expected to hinder future infiltration attempts. The operation reflects improved coordination between the Army and local police, building on successes like the neutralization of two other terrorists in Gurez on August 27. As the region braces for potential retaliatory actions, Khan’s death sends a strong message to terror groups operating across the LoC.

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