Country Report on Terrorism 2022 - Chapter 5 - Hizbul Mujahadeen

Aka HM; Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Description:  Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) was designated as an FTO on August 17, 2017.  The group was formed in 1989 and is one of the largest and oldest militant groups operating in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.  HM is led by Mohammad Yusuf Shah and officially supports the liberation of Jammu and Kashmir from Indian control and its accession to Pakistan, although some cadres are pro-independence.  The group concentrates its attacks on Indian security forces and politicians in Jammu and Kashmir and has conducted operations jointly with other Kashmiri militants.  HM is made up primarily of ethnic Kashmiris.

Activities:  HM is suspected of or has claimed responsibility for several attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, including the 2018 abduction and killing of three police officials; a 2019 grenade attack on a bus stand that killed a teenager and injured 32 other people; and a 2020 attack by three HM militants who opened fire on Indian soldiers during a search operation, killing one soldier.  In 2021, a top HM commander was killed in a gunfight with police after opening fire on security personnel accompanying him during a search operation at his hideout.

In March, Indian police arrested three HM members in connection with the killing of a village leader.  In May, Indian police killed two HM members, recovering weapons and ammunition in the encounter.

Strength:  HM is estimated to have up to 1,500 members.

Location/Area of Operation:  The Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir

Funding and External Aid:  Sources of support are unknown, but HM is suspected to receive some funding from sources in Pakistan as well as from local fundraising.

Associated documents