The funeral of Tahir Habib, a terrorist involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack in April 2025, which took place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), serves as a stark confirmation of Pakistan's involvement in the terror strike that killed 26 civilians. The 'Janaza-Ghaib' (funeral in absentia) for Habib was held in his village of Khai Gala in Rawalkote, with videos and pictures circulating on Telegram channels showing elderly residents gathering for the prayers for the former Pakistan Army soldier and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative.
The Pahalgam attack, which occurred on April 22, 2025, targeted tourists in the Baisaran Valley of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. The attack, carried out by five armed terrorists, resulted in the deaths of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists, and injuries to 20 others. The incident has been described as the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Following the attack, India accused Pakistan of backing the perpetrators, a charge that Islamabad denied. However, Indian Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the three suspected rebels killed in a joint operation by security forces were responsible for the Pahalgam killings. Shah identified two of the slain militants as members of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based armed group.
The funeral of Tahir Habib in PoK has further solidified the evidence pointing towards Pakistan's involvement. Habib's association with LeT and his role in the Pahalgam attack had made him a wanted category 'A' terrorist. His death, along with two other terrorists, during Operation Mahadev in Srinagar was a significant breakthrough for Indian security forces.
Interestingly, the funeral took an unexpected turn when a local LeT commander, Rizwan Hanif, attempted to attend. Habib's family explicitly barred LeT members from the funeral, leading to a confrontation. This act of defiance highlights the growing resentment among PoK residents against Pakistan's state-sponsored terror machine. Frustration is growing within the PoK community regarding the exploitation of local youth by militant groups, which are allegedly backed by Pakistan. The community is reportedly planning a traditional jirga (assembly) to protest recruitment and militancy, signaling a desire for change in the region.
Moreover, villagers in Kuiyaan made a strong statement by refusing to allow LeT members to attend Habib Tahir's funeral. Only family and villagers were present, sending a clear message against terrorism and highlighting Tahir's links to both LeT and Pakistan's military.
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, India launched airstrikes targeting alleged terror camps in Pakistan, leading to a military conflict between the two nations. While Pakistan rejected any link to the attack, calling for a neutral investigation, the evidence continues to mount, pointing towards its involvement in fostering cross-border terrorism.
The recent events, including the revelation of Habib Tahir's funeral in PoK and the growing resistance against radicalization within the community, underscore the complex dynamics at play in the region and the challenges in combating terrorism.
