In a significant development from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), residents of Kuiyaan village have stood up against terrorist elements, forcing a key Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative, Rizwan Hanif, and his armed associates to flee the area. This rare show of defiance reflects a growing wave of public resistance against terrorism in the region, marking a shift in local attitudes long shaped by fear and militant influence.
The confrontation unfolded during the funeral of Habib Tahir, a LeT terrorist killed in an encounter with Indian security forces in Harwan, Srinagar. Despite opposition from Tahir’s family, Rizwan Hanif appeared at the funeral, triggering strong reactions from the local community. The villagers openly objected to his presence, leading to a standoff that ended with Hanif retreating.
Following the incident, Kuiyaan residents have announced plans to hold a Jirga — a traditional community assembly — to establish a united stand against terrorist recruitment and activities in their area. This move underlines the growing frustration among ordinary people over the disruption and insecurity caused by militant groups operating in PoK.
This is not an isolated event. Security agencies in PoK have recently intensified crackdowns on militant-backed events, reflecting a gradual decline in the militants' ability to operate openly. In one such instance, authorities in Bagh district refused to grant permission for a militant-linked conference expected to host armed participants, including Nauman Shehzad, a prominent figure in PoK's extremist circles.
Historically, PoK has served as a stronghold for groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammed, often with alleged backing from elements within the Pakistani establishment. These groups have played a central role in cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the increasing rejection of such figures by local communities suggests a critical change in ground sentiment — one that could challenge the operational freedom of these groups in the future.
