Hizbul Mujahideen Leader Claims Pakistani Terrorists Fought in Kashmir, Revives Debate on Cross-Border Terrorism

New Delhi, July 10: In a significant statement, Hizbul Mujahideen’s Deputy Supreme Commander Shamsheer Khan has reportedly acknowledged on camera that militants from Pakistan fought in Jammu and Kashmir, making remarks that have reignited debate over Pakistan’s alleged support for cross-border terrorism.

In the widely circulated video, Khan is heard saying that “there isn’t a graveyard in Kashmir without the remains of Pakistani terrorists,” suggesting that militants from across Pakistan had participated in the insurgency in the region.

Significant Statement

According to reports, the Hizbul Mujahideen leader stated that fighters from different parts of Pakistan had entered Kashmir over the years and participated in militant operations.

The remarks are being cited by Indian observers as an acknowledgment of the long-standing allegation that Pakistan-based militants were actively involved in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

India’s Long-Standing Position

India has consistently maintained that Pakistan’s military establishment and intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), have supported, trained and facilitated terrorist groups operating across the Line of Control.

Successive Indian governments have accused Pakistan of backing organisations such as Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in India.

Pakistan’s Stand

Pakistan has repeatedly denied allegations of sponsoring terrorism, maintaining that it provides only diplomatic and political support to the people of Kashmir. Islamabad has consistently rejected accusations of directing or facilitating militant operations across the border.

Background

The statement comes amid continued focus on cross-border terrorism following recent security developments and counter-terrorism operations in the region.

Security analysts say the comments, if authentic, are likely to attract attention because they appear to contradict Pakistan’s long-held public position regarding the presence of Pakistani militants in Kashmir.

Note: The reported remarks are based on a video circulating publicly. The authenticity of the video and the context of the statement have not been independently verified by multiple official sources.