The State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu & Kashmir announced on Saturday that a Red Corner Notice (RCN) has been filed with Interpol against Imtiaz Ahmad Kandoo, a designated Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terrorist. The notice empowers law‑enforcement agencies worldwide to locate, arrest and start extradition proceedings against Kandoo, who is wanted for the deadly 2013 ambush in Sopore.

Background: The 2013 Sopore Ambush

In April 2013, militants ambushed security forces in the Hygam area of Sopore, north Kashmir, killing four police personnel and injuring several others. The attack was one of the deadliest against Indian police at the time and sparked a prolonged investigative effort. The case was transferred to the SIA in 2024 for a comprehensive review.

Kandoo’s Profile and Prior Prosecutions

Since 2010, Kandoo has served as a commander within Hizbul Mujahideen. The Indian government officially listed him as a terrorist in 2022. After completing its probe, the SIA filed a chargesheet in 2024 naming Kandoo and five co‑accused. Three of the accused were apprehended, while two were killed in police encounters during the investigation.

International Cooperation and Potential Impact

A Red Corner Notice is a powerful tool in Interpol’s arsenal, facilitating cross‑border tracking of fugitives. The SIA hailed the notice as “a significant achievement that underscores the agency’s growing capability to pursue fugitives across international jurisdictions.” If Kandoo is apprehended in Pakistan, his extradition could strain Indo‑Pak relations, given the diplomatic sensitivities surrounding such transfers.

Future Challenges

Beyond the Sopore case, Kandoo is implicated in at least ten other terror‑related offenses, making his capture a high‑priority objective for Indian security agencies. Nonetheless, the ability of militants to evade capture by crossing borders highlights the necessity for sustained intelligence sharing and robust international legal mechanisms to prevent future attacks.