2013 terror attack: SIA secures interpol red corner notice against Hizbul terrorist
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TOI CITY DESK
Jammu and Kashmir Police's SIA secured an Interpol Red Corner Notice for Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. This notice is a significant development in the 2013 terror case investigation. The attack in Baramulla district tragically claimed the lives of four police personnel. Kandoo, an active commander since 2010, was designated a terrorist in October 2022. The notice aims to aid in apprehending the designated individual for his alleged involvement.
International Manhunt: SIA Secures Interpol Notice for Hizbul Terrorist
The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police has achieved a critical milestone in its pursuit of justice by securing an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo. Kandoo, a high-ranking operative of the banned outfit Hizbul Mujahideen, is sought for his alleged role in a devastating terror attack that took place in 2013. This international alert signifies a transition from a localized search to a coordinated global manhunt, leveraging the network of Interpol's member countries to track and apprehend the fugitive, ensuring that national borders do not serve as a shield for those accused of terrorism.
The Baramulla Tragedy and its Legacy
The core of this legal action stems from a violent encounter in the Baramulla district in 2013, where a targeted attack resulted in the deaths of four police personnel. Such incidents during that period highlighted the volatility of the region and the tactical capabilities of militant commanders operating within the valley. The loss of these four officers was not merely a tactical blow to the security forces but a significant trauma for the local administration and the families of the deceased, emphasizing the lethal nature of the insurgency led by groups like Hizbul Mujahideen during that era.
Profile of Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo
Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo is not a peripheral figure in the insurgency; he has been an active commander within the Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. His longevity in the field suggests a level of tactical expertise and leadership that made him a high-value target for Indian intelligence and security agencies. The formal designation of Kandoo as a terrorist in October 2022 served as a critical precursor to this Interpol notice, providing the necessary legal framework to freeze assets and restrict movement under national security laws before escalating the matter to an international legal platform.
The Strategic Utility of Red Corner Notices
The acquisition of a Red Corner Notice is a sophisticated legal maneuver used by the SIA to expand its reach. Unlike a standard domestic arrest warrant, an RCN serves as an international request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. For the SIA, this move acknowledges the high probability that Kandoo may have sought sanctuary outside Indian borders. By utilizing Interpol, the Indian government is effectively closing the "safe haven" loopholes often exploited by militants to evade justice for years.
Shifts in Counter-Terrorism Strategy
This development reflects a broader trend in modern counter-terrorism strategy: the pursuit of long-term accountability. By revisiting and aggressively pursuing a case from 2013, the SIA is sending a clear message that the passage of time does not grant immunity. This "cold case" approach, combined with modern intelligence gathering and international legal cooperation, aims to dismantle the psychological sense of security that fugitives feel after a decade of evasion, signaling that the state's memory is long and its reach is global.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Global Justice
In summary, the securing of the Interpol Red Corner Notice against Imtiyaz Ahmad Kandoo is a pivotal step in the quest for justice for the four fallen officers of the Baramulla attack. Through the synergy of the SIA's investigative persistence and Interpol's global reach, the window for Kandoo's evasion is rapidly closing. This action underscores a commitment to hold terrorists accountable, regardless of where they hide or how much time has elapsed since their crimes, reinforcing the rule of law on an international scale.