NewKerala.com

JK Leader Remembers Haji Tahir Fazal's Heroic Role in Operation Sarp Vinash

Former BDC member Shafiq Mir recalled Haji Tahir Fazal's leadership in Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003 to liberate Hill Kaka from militants. Fazal mobilized local youth after his brother was killed by militants, assisting security forces in reclaiming the area. Mir criticized the absence of government representatives at Fazal's funeral and demanded his native block be developed as a model. Haji Tahir Fazal died recently of a heart attack, with tributes pouring in from locals and security forces.

Key Points: Haji Tahir Fazal: Hero of Operation Sarp Vinash in Hill Kaka

  • Haji Tahir Fazal led local youth in Operation Sarp Vinash (2003)
  • He mobilized forces after militant killing of his brother
  • Indian Army acknowledged his role and attended his funeral
  • Shafiq Mir demands Bufliaz be developed as model block
  • Operation killed 64 terrorists in Pir Panjal range
3 min read

JK leader Shafiq Mir recalls Haji Tahir Fazal's role in Op Sarp Vinash to stave off militancy in Hill Kaka

Former BDC member Shafiq Mir recalls Haji Tahir Fazal's leadership in Operation Sarp Vinash, urging government to honor the late civil militia commander's sacrifice.

"This is the time to honour his sacrifice. - Shafiq Mir"

Rajouri, April 26

Former Block Development Council member and ex-panchayat chairman Shafiq Mir remembered and hailed the courageous role played by late Fazal Hussain Tahir Chaudhary, popularly known as Haji Tahir Fazal, during the peak of militancy in the Hill Kaka area of Rajouri. He said, "This is the time to honour his sacrifice."

Speaking to ANI, Shafiq Mir said that Haji Tahir Fazal played a key leadership role during Operation Sarp Vinash in 2003, assisting security forces in reclaiming the high-altitude areas of Hill Kaka in the Pir Panjal range from militants.

"He was a civil militia commander of District Poonch who fought alongside security forces to liberate the hills of Hilkaka in 2003. He led a group of local youth who had returned from Saudi Arabia after learning that militants had captured their native villages and were committing atrocities," Mir said.

He added that the movement gained momentum after the killing of Haji Tahir's brother, Haji Mohammad Arif, by militants.

"After his brother was killed for opposing militant activities, Haji Tahir Fazal mobilised youth from Madwa and Hilkaka and joined the forces. Their efforts led to the success of Operation Sarp Vinash and the liberation of the area," he said.

Remembering his contribution, Mir noted that the Indian Army had acknowledged his role and participated in his last rites.

"The operation became successful because of the participation of local youth led by him. The Army appreciated his role and attended his last rites," he said.

Mir also expressed concern over the absence of government representatives at the funeral. "Unfortunately, no representative from the Jammu and Kashmir government or the central government attended the last rites of such a hero," he said.

He further urged the authorities to honour his legacy. "I demand that his native block, Bufliaz, be developed as a model block to pay tribute to his sacrifices," Mir added.

Haji Tahir Fazal passed away a few days ago due to a heart attack, with his demise widely mourned across the Pir Panjal region.

Locals and security forces have paid tribute to his bravery, patriotism, and role in restoring peace during one of the most challenging phases in the region. In April-May 2003, terrorists had made bases in the Pir Panjal range of Jammu and Kashmir, trying to establish control over villages in the Hill Kaka region. In reponse, the Indian Army launched Operation Sarp Vinash. Atleast 64 terrorists were killed in the operation.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Pooja D
I wonder why no government representative attended his last rites. If he was a collaborator with security forces, surely someone from the administration could have shown respect. Feels like a missed opportunity to acknowledge real grassroots bravery. Operation Sarp Vinash was a big success—64 terrorists killed is no small thing. 🙏
A
Aditya G
It's so sad that we only remember our real heroes after they pass away. Haji Tahir Fazal and his family sacrificed so much—his brother was killed, and he himself led local youth to fight for their own villages. This is the kind of story that should be in school textbooks, not just in news articles for a day. Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
As someone from abroad, I can't help but admire the courage of ordinary citizens in places like Rajouri. When the state struggles, local leaders step up—Haji Tahir is a prime example. I hope the government honors his memory properly and develops Bufliaz as a model block, as requested. It's the least they can do.
S
Siddhartha F
Shafiq Mir's demand to develop Bufliaz as a model block is spot on. These remote villages in the Pir Panjal region have seen so much violence—they deserve infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, not just empty promises. Haji Tahir Fazal's story is a reminder that real change comes from the people, not politicians.
K
Kavya N
Salute to Haji Tahir and the brave locals who helped the army. Operation Sarp Vinash was a turning point, but we often forget the

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50