JAMMU, July 25, 2025 : Security forces and intelligence agencies have intensified efforts to locate Mohammad Amin alias Jahangir Saroori — the longest-surviving terrorist in the Chenab Valley. A native of Kishtwar and senior Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Saroori has evaded capture since the 1990s, making him one of the most enduring and elusive figures in Jammu and Kashmir’s militancy landscape.
Saroori’s ability to avoid detection stems largely from his reliance on old-school tactics — he avoids using mobile phones or digital communication, frustrating surveillance efforts. Agencies suspect he may be hiding in the dense forests or higher reaches of Kishtwar or Doda.
In 2023, Kishtwar Police filed a chargesheet against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) before an NIA fast-track court in Doda. That same year, one of his hideouts was busted in the Kishtwar hills, yielding blankets and ration supplies.
Linked to several high-profile killings — including the 2018 assassination of BJP leader Anil Parihar and his brother Ajit Parihar, and the 2019 murder of RSS functionary Chandrakant Sharma — Saroori is believed to have revived Hizbul’s activities in the Chenab region.
Intelligence inputs indicate Saroori has reactivated a support network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) with funding from Pakistan. These OGWs are said to facilitate infiltration and provide shelter and supplies to terrorists in the region’s forests.
Recent encounters in the Hadal Gal area (July 20) and Kanzal Mandu in Chatroo (July 2) have been linked to Saroori’s support network. While he is not believed to take part in direct combat, officials say he plays a key role in planning and target selection for Pakistani terrorists operating in the area.
Key Highlights:
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Active since the 1990s, Jahangir Saroori is the most wanted terrorist in Chenab Valley.
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Avoids electronic devices, making him difficult to trace.
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Linked to high-profile assassinations of BJP and RSS leaders in 2018–2019.
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Revived Hizbul’s presence in Doda and Kishtwar by reactivating OGW networks.
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Chargesheeted under UAPA; his network suspected to be behind recent encounters in Kishtwar.
