Sheikh Sajjad Gul
Sheikh Sajjad Gul | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nawabazar, Srinagar |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Organization | The Resistance Front |
| Known for | Founding The Resistance Front |
| Movement | Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir |
Sheikh Sajjad Gul, also known as Sheikh Sajjad, is a prominent militant commander, founder, and the current supreme commander of the separatist militant organization, The Resistance Front (TRF). Active in Jammu and Kashmir since 2019, Sheikh Sajjad Gul has been at the forefront of the movement, advocating for the region's freedom. Hailing from HMT area of Srinagar city, his role in the TRF underscores his influence in the ongoing struggle in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.[1][2]
Early Life
Sheikh Sajjad Gul, born in 1974 in the Shah Mohalla area of Nawa Bazar in the old city of Srinagar, began his educational journey at the esteemed National School in Srinagar’s Karan Nagar. In 1996, Gul successfully completed his BSc degree from Sri Pratap College located in Lal Chowk, Srinagar. Following this, he pursued higher education and earned an MBA from the Asia Pacific Institute of Management in Bengaluru, graduating in 1999.[3]
Alongside his academic pursuits, Gul engaged in additional learning, undertaking short courses in computer networking and software. During this time, he established connections with individuals associated with groups such as Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba.[4]
Early Militancy Career
In 2002, Gul faced arrest in New Delhi on charges related to a hawala racket. While in Tihar jail, he reportedly established connections with prominent LeT militants also incarcerated there. Later, in 2005, Gul was transferred to Srinagar Central Jail and subsequently released in 2006.
Throughout 2016, he remained under constant police scrutiny following intelligence intercepts indicating his involvement in receiving a pistol from across the Line of Control (LoC) for an undisclosed mission. Then, in a significant breach of security, Gul, in March 2017, managed to obtain a passport using a fake address in Jammu, secured a visa for Pakistan, and crossed the Wagah border. His acquisition of the passport was deemed fraudulent
The Resistance Front
In 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, along with Muhammad Abbas Sheikh, co-founded The Resistance Front a separatist militant organization actively engaged in advocating for the independence of Jammu and Kashmir from India. Presently, Sheikh Sajjad Gul serves as the supreme leader of The Resistance Front, playing a key role in the organization's activities.[5][6]
Designation
On January 5, 2023, the Indian central government banned The Resistance Front (TRF) and designated Sheikh Sajjad Gul as a terrorist. Additionally, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has placed a reward of 1 million INR on Gul's head. [7][8][9]
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References
- ^ "Sajjad Gul, who took part in conspiracy to kill journalist Shujaat Bukhari, designated as militant". Kashmir News Zone. 2022-04-19. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
{{cite web}}:|first=missing|last=(help) - ^ "LeT proxy TRF banned, chief tagged 'terrorist'". The Times of India. 2023-01-06. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "'Mastermind' of Shujaat Bukhari's assassination planned blasts in Delhi in 2002, was arrested by police". www.timesnownews.com. 2018-06-29. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ Ashiq, Peerzada (2018-07-06). "Ground Zero: Who killed Shujaat Bukhari?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "TRF conspiracy case: NIA raids several locations in Kashmir, arrests terrorist". The Times of India. 2022-06-23. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ Singh, Vijaita (2023-01-05). "Centre declares The Resistance Front a terrorist organisation". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "LeT proxy TRF banned, chief tagged 'terrorist'". The Times of India. 2023-01-06. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ "Why The Resistance Front was under terror watch in Kashmir". India Today. Retrieved 2024-01-26.
- ^ Joy,DHNS, Shemin. "Centre bans LeT's proxy outfit 'The Resistance Front'". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-01-26.