In a dramatic turn of events, the notorious self-proclaimed divisional commander of Hizbul Mujahideen, Muneser Hussain, met his fate in a daring pre-dawn clash as security forces thwarted a brazen infiltration bid and crushed a conspiracy to rekindle the banned outfit's operations within Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. The unfolding scenario took place early on Monday, revealing a tense encounter between the relentless security personnel and the infiltrating terrorists.
The operation, carried out under the shroud of darkness, saw the joint efforts of the Army and local police, who managed to intercept the clandestine movement of insurgents in the Garhi Battalion region around 2 am. The ensuing engagement resulted in swift action, leading to Hussain's immediate downfall and forcing his associate to retreat desperately towards the Line of Control (LoC). The valiant exchange concluded with the second terrorist succumbing to the relentless barrage of fire, leaving his lifeless form sprawled on the earth, as PTI reported.
Hussain's history was a tapestry of violence and radicalism, with roots tracing back to his ominous departure for Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1993, where he honed his skills in warfare and insurgency. His return three years later marked the commencement of a reign of terror, orchestrating a series of audacious assaults on security forces. A close confidant of Maulana Dawood Kashmiri, a key associate of the PoK-based Hizbul supremo Syed Salauddin, Hussain's connections spanned the darkest corners of the terrorist network.
Recent intelligence unveiled a high-profile assembly of Hizbul operatives in Islamabad, Pakistan, indicating a sinister strategy to reanimate the group's foothold within the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Hussain's ill-fated mission appeared to be aimed at rekindling the embers of terrorism south of Pir-Panjal, a testament to the relentless determination of his handlers across the border.
The significance of Hussain's elimination resonates deeply within the security circles, signifying a resounding victory against the backdrop of a decade-long struggle to quell terror activities in Rajouri and Poonch. With his demise, Pakistan's audacious attempts to employ seasoned veterans in the perilous task of recruiting and radicalizing the youth have been dealt a severe blow. Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, the Jammu-based defence PRO, asserted that Hussain's downfall offers an irrefutable glimpse into the desperation of Pakistan to rejuvenate its faltering terrorism agenda.
