- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Sat, 11 Jul 2026 06:18 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Interpol RCN issued against Hizbul terrorist Imtiyaz Kandoo.
- Kandoo wanted for 2013 Tarzoo, Haigam terror attack.
- SIA Kashmir's major success in international counter-terrorism efforts.
The State Investigation Agency (SIA) Kashmir has achieved a major success in the fight against terrorism by securing the issuance of an Interpol Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Hizbul Mujahideen designated terrorist Imtiyaz Ahmed Kandoo, alias Fayaz and Sajjad, in connection with the 2013 Tarzoo, Haigam terrorist attack.
The development comes following a thorough and professional probe by the SIA Kashmir agency. In its statement, the agency said that it endeavours to arrest terrorists who are involved in acts of mass killings and violence, regardless of their hiding location.
With the issuance of the notice, international law enforcement agencies will be able to locate, detain and initiate legal proceedings for his extradition to India.
What Was The 2013 Tarzoo Attack? Four Soldiers Were Martyred
The attack occurred on 26 April, 2013, at Peer Mohalla, Haigam, Sopore, in which militants armed with automatic weapons attacked a police party. Four Jammu and Kashmir police officers died in the ambush. This was one of the biggest terror attacks on security personnel in the region at that time.
Initially, the case was filed in Police Station Tarzoo, Sopore, and in the year 2024, the same was transferred to the Special Investigation Agency (SIA), Kashmir, for in-depth investigation.
The SIA initiated a detailed inquiry involving gathering and analysing evidence, scrutinising the testimony of witnesses, and rebuilding the conspiracy in totality. Following this, the agency lodged a charge sheet against six individuals before the competent trial court in July 2024 with the added charges.
Two Of Six Accused Killed, Three Arrested
During the investigation and subsequent operations, two accused, Tariq Ahmad Mir of Kalamabad, Handwara, and Qayoom Nazar of Batpora, Sopore, were killed in encounters with security forces.
Three accused, Javed Ahmad Mattoo of Sopore, Rauf Nazar of Sopore, and Ahmadullah Malla of Dalal Mohalla, Srinagar, have been arrested and are facing trial.
The sixth and main accused, Imtiyaz Ahmed Kandoo, is absconding and is believed to have fled to Pakistan.
A resident of Karaltang, Sopore, Kandoo has been an active member and commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen since 2010. Due to his continued involvement in terrorist activities, the Indian government declared him a designated individual terrorist in October 2022.
Haigam Attack Mastermind Wanted In Over 15 Murders
The SIA investigation revealed that Kandoo played an active and key role in the Haigam terrorist attack. The probe also revealed his involvement in a larger network of terrorist activities.
Apart from this case, he is wanted in at least 10 other terror-related cases, including terrorist attacks, target killings, arms smuggling and narco-terror funding. These incidents resulted in the deaths of more than 15 people.
Despite continuous efforts by law enforcement agencies, he has managed to evade arrest.
Red Corner Notice Shows Growing Strength Of SIA Kashmir
The issuance of an Interpol Red Corner Notice against a terrorist is a major operational and investigative achievement for SIA Kashmir. It demonstrates the agency's ability to conduct complex terrorist investigations, pursue fugitives internationally, and utilise global policing mechanisms to hold terrorists accountable.
SIA Kashmir is committed to dismantling the terrorist network, pursuing absconding terrorists and their accomplices, and bringing perpetrators of terror to justice through all legal and international means.