‘Human GPS’ Bagu Khan killed in Kashmir as three-decade run ends in Gurez gunfight

Security forces foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control in north Kashmir on 28 August, killing two militants including Bagu Khan, a long-time facilitator of cross-border movement.

The operation, codenamed Naushera Nar IV, was launched after intelligence suggested a fresh attempt was imminent. “Based on intelligence provided by Jammu and Kashmir Police regarding likely infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Gurez Sector,” the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps posted on X.

Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and confronted the intruders. “They opened fire. Troops responded with counter-fire, neutralising two terrorists,” the Army said. The second slain militant is believed to be a Pakistani national.

Who was Bagu Khan?

Khan, also known as Samandar Chacha and Chaudhary, came from Bandipora in north Kashmir but crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in 1995 for training. He first joined Hizbul Mujahideen but over the years assisted almost every banned group, including Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

His value lay not in combat but in logistics. For nearly three decades, Khan guided small groups of armed infiltrators across high-altitude ridges, narrow passes and dense forests. Sources credit him with facilitating at least 100 attempts, the majority of them successful. This skill earned him the nickname “Human GPS”.

According to a security grid source, as told to TOI, “Loss of such an experienced guide can limit the ability of infiltrators to negotiate high-altitude routes and escape detection.”

Why his killing matters

Security agencies say Khan was among the oldest and most prolific guides based in Muzaffarabad, PoK. His unmatched knowledge of the Gurez sector meant terror outfits treated him as indispensable.

News18 reported officials describing his elimination as a “major setback” for infiltration networks. Analysts also believe his absence may slow down future attempts, as terror groups must now find new operatives familiar with the difficult Himalayan terrain.

For security forces, Khan represented more than an individual. He was a bridge between Pakistani handlers and militants entering Indian territory. His death removes a living archive of routes, methods and strategies.

Officials estimate around 70 Pakistani terrorists remain active in Jammu and Kashmir, often moving in groups of three or four. They are typically armed with sophisticated weapons such as M4 carbines and equipped with iridium satellite phones and thermal imaging devices to stay undetected.

Despite constant monitoring, the combination of advanced technology and local guides like Khan made infiltration difficult to block. This year, 16 militants have been killed in the Kashmir region, including three top Lashkar operatives linked to the April Pahalgam attack.

Two days before Khan’s death, another infiltration bid was foiled in the same Gurez sector, with two militants killed by the Army.

Meanwhile, in Bihar, police have sounded a high-security alert after intelligence inputs suggested three Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives crossed over from Nepal. Photographs and details have been circulated across districts.

Property seizure in Pulwama

In a separate development, Jammu and Kashmir Police attached immovable property in Pulwama belonging to Gulzar Ahmad Dar, father of designated terrorist Arjumand Gulzar alias Hamza Bhai of Al-Badr.

Police also issued a public warning. “Police once again appeal to the general public not to provide shelter or support to terrorists, failing which they shall face strict legal action,” the statement said.

(With inputs from TOI)