Hizbul Deputy Chief Shamsheer Khan Admits Pak Presence In Kashmir, Video Sparks Fresh Debate

New Delhi: What India has been putting forward to the world for years regarding cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir now seems to be confirmed by the statement of a senior commander of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. A video of the organisation's Deputy Supreme Commander Shamsheer Khan has surfaced, in which he claims that people from different parts of Pakistan fought in Kashmir and were killed there. He even said that there would hardly be any cemetery in the valley where Pakistani citizens are not buried. His statement came during a programme organised in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

What was said in the programme?

This programme was organised in Muzaffarabad on the death anniversary of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani. Pictures of Burhan Wani and separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani were displayed on the stage. In his address, Shamsheer Khan said that Pakistanis are buried in many cemeteries from Lolab, Kupwara to Kathua. Describing these people as "martyrs", he said that the relationship between Pakistan and Kashmir is linked with these graves and no one can end it.

Hizbul Mujahideen's deputy chief Shamsheer Khan while addressing a Jamaat-e-Islami gathering in POJK castigates the people of Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir for protesting against Pakistan establishment. People of POJK should realize that these terror organizations are… pic.twitter.com/K8qNBTYtS3

— Raja Muneeb (@RajaMuneeb) July 10, 2026

Why did the discussion intensify regarding this statement?

India has been continuously saying that many terrorist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir use Pakistan's land and get help from there. In such a situation, this statement given by a senior Hizbul commander from a public platform has again brought many questions to the fore. Security agencies have earlier also been providing information about cross-border infiltration and the presence of foreign terrorists.

What open warning was given to the people of PoK?

During his speech, Shamsheer Khan also targeted the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). He described the leaders of the organisation as "pro-India" and "traitors". Also said that any kind of voice against the ideology of Pakistan and its organisations will not be tolerated. His statement is being considered as an attempt to put pressure on local protests.

What is going on in PoK?

In the last few months, people's anger over inflation, power crisis and unemployment has increased in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. There have been demonstrations at many places and local organisations are raising their voice against the government. In such an environment, such statements being given by the leaders of terrorist organisations also point towards the changing situation there.

Why is this video important for India?

The things revealed in the video are in line with India's longstanding stand on cross-border terrorism. India has many times accused Pakistan in international forums of harbouring terrorists and promoting infiltration. Now this statement of the senior commander of Hizbul Mujahideen has again brought the same debate into the centre of discussion.