Rawalakot, PoK – A ‘Janaza-e-Ghaib’ (funeral prayer for an unseen body) was held in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) for Tahir Habib, a militant who was killed in a counter-insurgency operation by the Indian Army in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation, codenamed ‘Mahadev’, successfully neutralized several militants who were active in the region.
The special prayers for Tahir Habib, a resident of Rawalakot in PoK, were held in his hometown, confirming his identity and his links to militant organizations operating from Pakistani soil.
The prayers took place in the Hamza Valley area of Rawalakot district, where a large number of local residents, including his family and friends, gathered to offer their respects.
The ceremony was led by Tahir Habib’s father, Mohammed Habib. The holding of the ‘Janaza-e-Ghaib’ indicates that Tahir Habib’s body could not be retrieved and handed over to his family, a common occurrence in such cross-border military operations.
This incident has once again highlighted Pakistan’s role in sponsoring and supporting terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir. The fact that a funeral was held in PoK for a militant killed in India strongly suggests that militants are being trained, armed, and dispatched from Pakistani territory to carry out attacks in India.
Reactions and Official Statements
The news of the ‘Janaza-e-Ghaib’ has drawn strong reactions from various quarters, particularly in India.
- Indian Army Officials: The Indian Army has stated that the incident validates its claims regarding the origins of the militants it has been neutralizing in the region. An official source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “This is irrefutable evidence of Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism. They are not just providing shelter, but are actively recruiting, training, and sending these individuals to destabilize the peace in J&K. The funeral in Rawalakot is a clear admission of their involvement.”
- Political Reaction: The Indian government and political leaders have used this incident to reiterate their demand for global action against state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan. They have called on the international community to take a serious note of Pakistan’s continued support for militant groups.
- Media and Public: Indian media outlets have widely covered the story, with many using it as a stark example of Pakistan’s duplicity. Social media platforms have seen a surge in discussions, with many users condemning Pakistan’s actions and supporting the Indian Army’s efforts.
