Huge success for security forces as terrorist 'poster boy' Sameer Tiger is neutralised

In a major victory for the security forces in Jammu and Kashmir, the new poster boy of Kashmir terrorism, Sameer Tiger, was neutralised in a pin pointed intelligence operation.

A Cordon and Search Operation was launched early morning by the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, 182 and 183 Battalion of the CRPF and Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Drubgam, Rajpora, Pulwama.

This was launched after the 44 RR received a specific intelligence input about the presence of Tiger, a chronic stone pelter turned terrorist. It was at about 1000 hours, when the terrorist sensed that the security forces are closing in, opened fire. The security forces retaliated and were able to quickly encircle the location where the terrorists were trapped and firing on. 

Despite attempts by hostile elements in the local population, who pelted stones at security forces, Tiger along with another terrorist was shot dead. While the two bodies were recovered, it is suspected that there was another one. However, forces had to call off the search ops as law and order became a pain and security forces were forced to open fire. 

READ | Sameer Tiger, The New Poster Boy Of Terrorists?

The security establishment would have heaved a sigh of relief because Tiger was someone that they were tracking very closely. Ever since Tiger came up in the terror list, he had escaped at least seven times. But his luck finally ran out on April 30. 

Tiger was the new poster boy of terrorism and was following the path shown by slain terrorist Burhan Wani when it came to creating an aura around himself. Though he was not as popular as the Wani, he had earned quite a reputation. He had also become a nuisance to scores of local women. 

But who was Sameer Tiger exactly?

• Tiger was Sameer Ahmad Bhat who was arrested on March 24, 2016, for stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir. He was released within days on March 29. 
• In under two months, on May 7, 2016, the 21-year-old joined the Hizbul Mujahideen and soon became the new poster boy of Kashmir terrorism, after a vacuum was created following the killing of Wani. 
• In a matter of a year and a half, Sameer Bhat, who came to be known as Sameer 'Tiger', had become one of the rising stars and joined the Jaish-e-Muhammad, a deadly Pakistan based terror group last year, leaving behind the HM.
• Once known as a “chronic” stone pelter and an Over Ground Worker (OGW) of HM, Sameer had become an A++ category terrorist.
• His joining Masood Azhar's JeM has been a boon for the terror group that largely consists of Pakistani terrorists.
   

Security sources told Republic TV that the JeM wanted Sameer to be the next poster boy.

Sameer had late last year posted a picture of his holding a NATO-operated M4 gun and it went viral. Sources say that even the new Bollywood film Tiger Zinda Hai is being used by the terror masters to create a myth around Sameer, especially among youngsters. The idea is to use Sameer as a poster boy so that more youngsters could get inspired and join terror groups.

He played a crucial role in recruitment of local youngsters by fooling them into a life of what they thought was full of honour, bravery, fun.

Even though many continue to be fooled, the courageous and smart ones realised their folly and have surrendered in significant numbers. 

It is hoped that the killing of Tiger has dealt a severe blow to the terror infrastructure in Kashmir.