Sheikh Sajjad Gul, also known as Sheikh Sajjad, is a Kashmiri militant and the founder of The Resistance Front which has been active in Indian-administred Jammu and Kashmir since 2019.[1][2]
Sheikh Sajjad Gul | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1974 (age 49–50) Nawa Bazar, Srinagar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Organization | The Resistance Front |
| Known for | Founding The Resistance Front |
| Movement | Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir |
Early life
editSheikh Sajjad Gul, born in 1974 in the Shah Mohalla area of Nawa Bazar in the old city of Srinagar, was educated at the 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]
During this time, he established connections with individuals associated with groups such as Tehreek-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba.[4]
Early militancy career
editIn 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.[5]
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 March 2017, Gul 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.[6]
The Resistance Front
editIn 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, Sheikh Sajjad Gul, along with Muhammad Abbas Sheikh,[7] 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.[8][9]
Designation
editOn 5 January 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.[10][11][12]
References
edit- ^ "Sajjad Gul, was falsely Framed in conspiracy to kill journalist Shujaat Bukhari". Kashmir News Zone. 19 April 2022. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "LeT proxy TRF banned, chief tagged 'terrorist'". The Times of India. 6 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "'Mastermind' of Shujaat Bukhari's assassination planned blasts in Delhi in 2002, was arrested by police". www.timesnownews.com. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Ashiq, Peerzada (6 July 2018). "Ground Zero: Who killed Shujaat Bukhari?". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Mastermind of Kashmir editor's murder did MBA from Bengaluru". Inshorts - Stay Informed. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "'Mastermind' of Shujaat Bukhari's assassination planned blasts in Delhi in 2002, was arrested by police". www.timesnownews.com. 29 June 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Who was Abbas Sheikh, TRF chief who revived militancy in Srinagar? - The Week". www.theweek.in. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "TRF conspiracy case: NIA raids several locations in Kashmir, arrests terrorist". The Times of India. 23 June 2022. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Singh, Vijaita (5 January 2023). "Centre declares The Resistance Front a terrorist organisation". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "LeT proxy TRF banned, chief tagged 'terrorist'". The Times of India. 6 January 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ "Why The Resistance Front was under terror watch in Kashmir". India Today. 8 January 2023. Retrieved 26 January 2024.
- ^ Joy,DHNS, Shemin. "Centre bans LeT's proxy outfit 'The Resistance Front'". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 26 January 2024.