‘Human GPS’ Bagu Khan, mastermind of 100+ infiltration attempts, gunned down in J&K encounter

Khan, also known as Samandar Chacha, had been operating from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir since 1995.

Regarded as one of the oldest and most resourceful facilitators of infiltration, he was killed along with another terrorist while attempting to sneak in from the Nowshera Naar area.

According to security grid sources, Khan was involved in enabling over 100 infiltration attempts from different parts of the Gurez sector.

Most of these were successful, thanks to his unmatched familiarity with the treacherous terrain and hidden routes, which made him indispensable to terror groups.

Though a Hizbul commander, Khan extended his expertise to multiple terror outfits by aiding them in planning and executing infiltrations from Gurez and adjoining sectors along the Line of Control.

After decades of evading security agencies, his run ended during this latest bid.

His death is being seen as a setback to the logistical backbone of terror groups in the region.

The encounter followed closely on the heels of another operation on Thursday, in which two terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control in Bandipora’s Gurez sector were neutralised by the Indian Army.

Saturday’s exchange took place near Naushehra Naar under Operation Naushera Nar IV, when alert troops intercepted a group of heavily armed infiltrators.

A brief gunfight ensued, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists, including Bagu Khan.