A high-ranking Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander, identified as Mohd Asif, also known as Hashim Musa, reportedly utilized traditional Ayurvedic honey treatments to accelerate the healing of bullet wounds sustained during a prolonged counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir. Musa, believed to be a former commando with Pakistan army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG), was killed earlier this week in a high-altitude operation by the Indian Army in Yousmarg, Budgam district. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Musa and his associate, Yasir, were trapped for over 45 days in the dense forests of Rajouri and Poonch districts during ‘Operation Sheruwali’ in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla area, where Musa sustained his injuries.
Unable to access conventional medical facilities due to the tight security cordon, the terrorist commander resorted to applying pure honey to his wounds. Officials indicated that this practice was aimed at leveraging the known Ayurvedic healing properties of honey to expedite tissue recovery and prevent infection in the challenging jungle environment. The effectiveness of this unconventional treatment was reportedly communicated to their handlers across the border in Pakistan. Following Yasir’s death in the higher reaches of Yousmarg in early September, a mobile phone recovered from him contained photographic evidence of Musa’s honey-treated injuries. These images were transmitted to Pakistan to update their handlers on the commander’s health status.
According to officials, Musa’s handlers were reportedly instructing them to ensure the purity of the honey, emphasizing its role in the swift recovery of the top terrorist. Musa was allegedly involved in a significant number of terror attacks, including the 2025 Pahalgam terror incident. Medical experts have commented on the terrorist’s survival tactic, noting its direct alignment with long-established Ayurvedic principles of wound management. Dr. R.P. Parasher, President of the All India Doctors Association of Indian System of Medicine, elaborated on honey’s therapeutic role in Ayurveda, particularly within texts like the ‘Sushruta Samhita,’ where it is central to ‘Vrana Chikitsa’ or wound care. He explained that honey possesses ‘Shodhana’ (purifying) and ‘Ropana’ (healing) properties, which contribute to its efficacy.
Dr. Parasher further noted that modern scientific research offers plausible explanations for these observed effects. Honey’s high osmotic activity, acidic pH, and the potential generation of hydrogen peroxide in certain preparations, along with other antimicrobial constituents, can effectively inhibit microbial growth and foster a conducive environment for wound healing. However, he cautioned that in cases of gunshot wounds, thorough cleaning is paramount to remove any residual particles from the projectile, which could impede the healing process. He also stressed the importance of using sterile, medical-grade honey in clinical settings to prevent secondary infections, a crucial distinction from the honey used by the terrorist in a non-sterile, operational environment.
The recovery of photographic evidence of Musa’s injuries, transmitted to Pakistan, highlights the operational communication channels maintained by terror outfits. This incident also sheds light on the resourcefulness and unconventional methods employed by militants operating in remote and challenging terrains. The reliance on traditional remedies, while scientifically supported to some extent, underscores the difficulties faced by terrorists in accessing advanced medical care when evading security forces. The prolonged ‘Operation Sheruwali’ in Rajouri exemplifies the sustained efforts by the Indian Army to neutralize terrorist elements operating in the region, often involving extensive manhunts in difficult geographical areas.
The involvement of Musa, a Pakistani national and a key operational commander, in multiple terror attacks, including the 2025 Pahalgam incident, underscores the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to regional security. His death marks a significant blow to LeT’s operational capabilities in Jammu and Kashmir. The details emerging from the operation, including the use of honey for wound treatment and the communication with handlers, provide valuable intelligence for security agencies regarding the modus operandi and support networks of these groups. The continuous efforts by security forces to dismantle terror infrastructure and neutralize key operatives remain critical in maintaining peace and stability in the Union Territory.
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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