Interpol Red Corner Notice issued against Hizbul terrorist Imtiyaz Kandoo in 2013 Sopore attack case

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police has secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against designated and dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, who is believed to have fled to Pakistan after orchestrating the April 26, 2013, terror attack at Peer Mohalla in Hygam, north Kashmir’s Sopore area.

The official spokesperson of the NIA said that the international notice is expected to strengthen efforts by global law enforcement agencies to trace, detain, and facilitate the extradition of the absconding accused, who is believed to be operating from Pakistan.

The case relates to the deadly terrorist strike carried out on April 26, 2013, at Peer Mohalla, Hygam in Sopore, where heavily armed militants ambushed a Jammu and Kashmir Police team, resulting in the killing of four police personnel in the line of duty. The case was originally registered at Police Station Tarzoo before being handed over to the SIA in 2024 for an in-depth investigation.

Following a detailed probe, the SIA filed a chargesheet in July 2024 against six accused before the competent court. During the course of the investigation, two accused—Tariq Ahmad Mir of Kalamabad, Handwara, and Qayoom Najar of Batapora, Sopore—were killed in separate encounters with security forces.

The remaining accused, Javid Ahmad Mattoo, Rouf Najar, and Ahmadullah Malla, have been arrested and are presently facing judicial proceedings.

Officials said the prime accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, a resident of Kraltang, Sopore, has been evading arrest and is suspected to have crossed into Pakistan. He has reportedly remained associated with Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010 and was declared a Designated Individual Terrorist by the Government of India in October 2022.

Investigators have identified Kandoo as a key conspirator in the Hygam attack. Besides this case, he is also wanted in at least ten other terror-related investigations involving militant attacks, targeted killings, illegal arms trafficking, and narco-terror financing, which allegedly claimed more than 15 lives.

The SIA stated that obtaining the Interpol Red Corner Notice demonstrates the agency’s determination to pursue wanted terrorists beyond national borders and ensure they are brought to justice through established legal and international cooperation mechanisms.

A resident of Kraltang in Sopore, Kandoo allegedly joined Hizbul Mujahideen in 2010 and later rose through the ranks to become one of the outfit’s commanders. The union government designated him an individual terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in October 2022.

The SIA said its investigation into the Hygam ambush also uncovered Kandoo’s alleged involvement in a broader network of terrorist activities. Besides the 2013 attack, he is wanted in at least ten other terror-related cases involving targeted killings, arms smuggling, and narco-terror financing. Officials said these cases are linked to the deaths of more than 15 people and the funding of terrorist operations in Jammu and Kashmir.