Gulzar Ahmed Dar, the father of Arjumand Gulzar, also known as Burhan Hamza, the alleged mastermind behind the 2019 Pulwama terror attack who was recently killed, has spoken out regarding his family’s ordeal and has sought the release of his eldest son who is currently in jail. Arjumand Gulzar was shot dead by unknown individuals in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Arjumand’s father, a resident of the Pulwama district in south Kashmir, has stated that while his son deserved his fate for choosing the wrong path, his other son, Shahid Gulzar, should not be made to suffer for his brother’s actions. Shahid Gulzar was arrested in 2022 and is currently detained in a Jammu jail. As per information available with TahirRihat.com, the family is appealing for his release on humanitarian grounds.
Gulzar Ahmed Dar recounted that Arjumand went to Pakistan on January 28, 2018, purportedly to pursue MBBS studies. He emphasized that his son made this decision independently, without consulting the family. Prior to this, Arjuman had been studying at Rajiv Gandhi University in Bangalore in 2017, completing one semester before returning home in December and then leaving again the following January.
Around two weeks later, the family discovered that Arjumand had gone to Pakistan. Dar stated that they immediately informed the police and other agencies about their son’s unauthorized departure. He said he communicated to Arjumand that he possessed only a one-month visa and should return. However, after that period, Arjumand submitted a student visa, claiming he was pursuing his MBBS degree in Pakistan.
Dar said that the family handed over these documents to the police and other concerned agencies, but two months later, they learned that Arjumand had chosen a dangerous path. According to Dar, Arjumand severed all contact with his family, and they have had no connection with him since. The family claims to have endured considerable hardship since then.
Dar detailed further difficulties for his family, mentioning that his eldest son, Shahid Gulzar, a 2019 KAS qualifier, was arrested in 2022 and has been in Jammu jail for the past five years. He also mentioned, (Daily Excelsior reported), that his son Arif, who holds a PhD and has qualified the NET, had his passport confiscated, preventing him from going to Russia for research purposes.
Gulzar Ahmed Dar appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging that his other sons not be penalized for the actions of their brother. He specifically requested the release of his eldest son from prison. (Daily Excelsior reported that Dar said), “I appeal to the L-G and the administration; he (Arjumand) got what he deserved by choosing the wrong path and was killed in Pakistan, but my son Shahid should be released on ground of humanity.”
The killing of Arjumand Gulzar in PoK highlights the complicated dynamics of militancy and cross-border activities in the region. His death suggests potential internal conflicts within militant groups or actions by external forces seeking to destabilize these organizations. The appeal from Arjumand’s father also underscores the broader human impact of these conflicts, particularly on the families of those involved. The case raises questions about justice, familial responsibility, and the role of the state in dealing with individuals linked to terrorism.
The plea for the release of Shahid Gulzar also directs attention to challenges faced by families impacted by militancy. The arrest and continued detention of individuals with alleged connections to militants, regardless of their direct involvement in violent activities, is a complex issue that often generates debate. Balancing national security imperatives with principles of justice and human rights remains a major concern. The authorities will have to carefully weigh the evidence against Shahid Gulzar and consider the potential implications of his release on public safety and the region’s overall security situation.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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