Shahid Latif, a mastermind behind the Pathankot attack and one of India’s most wanted terrorist , was killed by unknown assailants in Pakistan on October 11th.
While on their way to Masjid Noor in Daska, Sialkot, for their Fajr (dawn) prayers, both Latif and his driver were assassinated.
Shahid Latif’s life
Shahid Latif, also known as ‘Chota Shahid Bhai’ and ‘Noor Al-Din’, had been identified as a terrorist under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967 by The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.
Furthermore, he was recognized as a leading figure in the banned terrorist faction Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) which operates out of Pakistan. He held a significant position, serving as the Launch Commander for JeM’s Sialkot branch.
He was pivotal in planning and orchestrating the 2016 attack on Pathankot, where he managed the group of terrorists that breached the security of the Pathankot Air Force Station. His expertise was in strategizing and facilitating the movement of Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives into India, proving his involvement in multiple acts of terror within Indian borders.
The 2016 attack on Pathankot led to the tragic death of seven Indian soldiers, while another 22 were injured.
In November 1994, he was detained on charges related to terrorism. After completing a 16-year jail term, Latif was sent back across the Wagah border in 2010. Additionally, he was implicated in the hijacking of an Indian Airlines plane on December 24, 1999 (known as the Kandahar Case).
