'Dhurandhar Style': Internet Flooded With Film References After Pulwama-Linked Terror Operative Hamza Burhan Killed

Hamza Burhan, an Al-Badr operative linked by security agencies to Pulwama attack period and terror propaganda networks in Kashmir, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad, PoK. The killing triggered major reactions on social media.

Pulwama-linked terror operative Hamza Burhan killed in PoK

A key Pakistan-backed terror operative linked to the Al-Badr and associated with the Pulwama terror attack period has been killed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to security sources.

The killing of Hamza Burhan, also known as Arjumand Gulzar Dar, has triggered major reactions online, with many users comparing the attack to scenes from the upcoming action film Dhurandhar and calling it a “Dhurandhar-style operation”.

Security officials described his death as a major setback to Al-Badr’s recruitment, propaganda and radicalisation network operating around Jammu and Kashmir.

Who was Hamza Burhan?

According to security sources, Hamza Burhan was a senior operative linked to Al-Badr and had allegedly worked as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) during the period surrounding the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.

On February 14, 2019, a suicide bombing in Pulwama killed 40 CRPF personnel, making it one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent Indian history.

Investigative agencies, including the National Investigation Agency, had reportedly linked Hamza Burhan to terror-related activities during that period.

Officials said he later became deeply involved in Al-Badr’s digital propaganda operations.

Security agencies allege that he helped create and distribute posters, videos and online material aimed at radicalising youth and encouraging recruitment into terror networks.

Sources also claimed that he played an important role in spreading anti-India propaganda through social media campaigns.

According to officials, several young recruits allegedly influenced through such networks were later booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act or UAPA.

Shot dead outside office in Muzaffarabad

Sources said Hamza Burhan was shot dead in Muzaffarabad.

Reports claim he was attacked by unidentified gunmen while stepping out near his office.

According to accounts shared by security sources, bike-borne attackers opened fire on him before fleeing the area.

The attackers have not been officially identified so far.

After the incident, security presence in the area was reportedly increased, though there has been no official statement from Pakistan regarding the killing.

Some reports also described Hamza Burhan as being associated with the Abbas Institute of Medical Sciences in Muzaffarabad, where he reportedly held an administrative position.

Indian authorities had earlier declared Arjumand Gulzar Dar, also known as Hamza Burhan, a designated terrorist under the UAPA in 2022.

Sources said he had been living in Pakistan since around 2015.

Possible gang war angle

According to security sources, the killing may be linked to internal disputes within terror networks operating in PoK.

Officials claimed there had been long-running tensions within Al-Badr over funding distribution and operational control.

Some sources suggested the dispute eventually turned into a violent internal gang rivalry.

However, these claims have not been independently verified, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the exact motive behind the killing.

Security agencies believe the incident also reflects increasing pressure on terror networks because of intelligence operations and internal mistrust.

Officials say Pakistan-backed terror groups have increasingly relied on digital propaganda and psychological campaigns after the removal of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hamza Burhan was reportedly seen as one of the major faces of that strategy.

Why officials see his death as important

Security officials described Hamza Burhan as more than just a propagandist.

They alleged that he was linked to recruitment networks, cross-border coordination and efforts to influence vulnerable youth online.

According to officials, he was involved in “narrative warfare” — a strategy focused on glorifying militancy and emotionally influencing young people through social media content.

Officials also alleged that some recruits were encouraged not only towards militancy but also towards illegal drug-related networks.

Security agencies believe his death could impact the operational and psychological strength of the network he was associated with.

Internet compares killing to ‘Dhurandhar style’

Soon after reports of the killing surfaced, social media platforms were flooded with reactions, memes and film references. Many users compared the shooting to scenes from the film Dhurandhar, which has recently become popular online because of its action-heavy storyline where in undercover Indian agent 'Hamza' kills many terrorists in Pakistan.

Several users used phrases such as “Dhurandhar strikes” and “Indian Dhurandhars at work”.

One user posted, “Cheers to Dhurandhar”, while sharing news reports related to the killing.

Another social media user wrote, “Pulwama mastermind Hamza Burhan shot dead by unknown gunmen in PoK's Muzaffarabad.”

Some posts jokingly suggested that “unknown gunmen” had become a recurring phrase linked to attacks on terror-linked figures in Pakistan and PoK.

Others compared the killing to spy-thriller style movie plots.

However, many users also warned against glorifying violence online or spreading unverified claims without official confirmation.

Rise of mysterious attacks in Pakistan and PoK

In recent years, several terror-linked figures and radical operatives based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have reportedly been targeted in mysterious attacks.

Some died in shootings carried out by unknown attackers, while others were reportedly killed in internal rivalries or gang wars.

In many such cases, the exact identities of attackers remain unclear.

These incidents have repeatedly triggered speculation on social media, often leading to conspiracy theories and online narratives comparing them to espionage films or covert operations.

The killing of Hamza Burhan has now added to that growing list of mysterious incidents.

A digital face of terror propaganda

Security agencies believe Hamza Burhan represented a new type of terror operative, one who worked heavily through digital platforms instead of only physical networks.

Officials said propaganda videos, posters and emotional messaging targeting youth have become major tools used by terror outfits in recent years.

Experts have repeatedly warned that online radicalisation campaigns can influence vulnerable youngsters by presenting militancy in a glamorous or emotional way.

According to officials, this 'digital warfare' became even more active after changes in Jammu and Kashmir’s political and security environment following Article 370’s removal.

Questions remain unanswered

Despite the growing discussion online, several important questions remain unanswered.

There is still no official public confirmation from Pakistan regarding the exact circumstances of the killing.

The identities of the attackers also remain unknown.

(With inputs from agencies)