Kashmir's State Investigation Agency (SIA) has obtained an Interpol Red Corner Notice against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, the chief perpetrator of the 2013 Tarzoo (Hygam) terrorist attack. The move marks a major step toward bringing the fugitive to justice through international cooperation.

Key Takeaways (मुख्य बिंदु)

  • Interpol issues Red Corner Notice for Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, enabling global pursuit
  • 2013 Tarzoo attack claimed four police lives, one of the deadliest assaults on security forces
  • SIA Kashmir demonstrates growing capability in handling complex terror investigations

The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu & Kashmir achieved a decisive breakthrough by securing an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, a designated commander of Hizbul Mujahideen. The notice obliges law‑enforcement agencies worldwide to locate, detain, and extradite the suspect to India for trial, underscoring the expanding reach of Indian counter‑terrorism efforts.

Background: The 2013 Tarzoo (Hygam) Attack

On 26 April 2013, terrorists from Hizbul Mujahideen ambushed a police convoy in Peer Mohalla, Hygam, Sopore, killing four Jammu & Kashmir Police personnel. Armed with automatic rifles, the attackers executed one of the most lethal assaults on security forces in the region’s recent history. The case was initially registered at Tarzoo Police Station and later transferred to SIA in 2024 for an exhaustive probe.

Investigation Milestones

SIA’s methodical approach involved forensic evidence collection, witness testimony, and reconstruction of the conspiracy. By July 2024, a comprehensive chargesheet was filed against six accused. Two suspects—Tariq Ahmad Mir and Qayoom Najarr—were neutralised in encounters with security forces, while three others were arrested and are currently on trial. The principal accused, Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo, remains at large, believed to have fled to Pakistan.

Significance of the Interpol Red Corner Notice

The Red Corner Notice is a powerful diplomatic tool that alerts member countries to a wanted individual, facilitating his arrest and extradition. Issuing the notice against Kandoo reflects SIA’s ability to trace a fugitive across borders and highlights India’s commitment to leveraging global policing mechanisms against terrorism.

Implications for Future Counter‑Terror Operations

According to SIA officials, the notice aims to “dismantle terrorist ecosystems, pursue absconding terrorists and their support networks, and ensure accountability through all legal and international avenues.” This step not only concludes a long‑standing case but also sets a precedent for tackling similar threats, reinforcing the importance of inter‑agency coordination and international legal instruments.