‘Human GPS’ Bagu Khan killed in J&K encounter; was behind 100 infiltration bids across LoC
PTC Web Desk: Security forces on Saturday shot dead Bagu Khan, one of the most notorious infiltration guides across the Line of Control (LoC), in the Gurez sector of Bandipora district. Widely known as the “human GPS” among terror networks, Khan was killed along with another infiltrator during an operation in the Nowshera Naar area.
Bagu Khan, also referred to as Samandar Chacha, had been operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since 1995. Considered one of the oldest and most resourceful facilitators for terror groups, he was instrumental in enabling more than 100 infiltration attempts across the Gurez sector and adjoining areas. According to security sources, the majority of these attempts were successful due to his unmatched knowledge of the rugged terrain and hidden routes, making him a prized asset for various terror outfits.
Though originally associated with Hizbul Mujahideen, Khan’s services were not limited to one group. He reportedly assisted multiple organisations in planning and executing infiltration missions across Gurez and neighbouring sectors along the LoC.
After decades of evading security forces, Khan’s run came to an end during the latest infiltration attempt under Operation Naushera Nar IV. Security officials described his elimination as a major setback to the logistical and operational networks of terrorist organisations active in the region.
The encounter follows Thursday’s incident in which two infiltrators were neutralised by the Indian Army in the same sector. Heavy gunfire had erupted near Nowshera Naar when troops intercepted a group of heavily armed militants attempting to cross the LoC. While two were killed in the initial exchange, intelligence inputs suggest that as many as five more terrorists may still be hiding in the area. Search and combing operations are continuing.
Security agencies believe that the killing of Bagu Khan marks a significant disruption in infiltration operations along the Gurez sector, which has historically been one of the most challenging stretches for Indian forces due to difficult geography and frequent attempts by militants to exploit it.
- With inputs from agencies
