India claims slain Kashmir militant was ex-Pakistan soldier

Indian media has claimed that Mohammad Asif, also known as Hashim Moosa, who was killed during a security operation in Budgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, was a former Pakistan Army soldier.

The reports identified Asif as a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative and alleged that he was wanted in connection with the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. The claims were attributed to Indian security sources and media reports. The Indian Army has confirmed that a Pakistan-based LeT militant identified as Mohammad Asif alias Hashim Moosa was killed during an operation in the Korag area of Yousmarg.

According to Indian media reports, Asif allegedly joined the Pakistan Army in 2000 and later served in the Special Services Group (SSG). Some reports further claimed that he had served in the security detail of former president Pervez Musharraf.

Indian authorities have linked Asif to the Pahalgam attack and other militant activity in the region. However, the claims regarding his former military service were attributed to officials and sources in Indian media reports and have not been independently verified.

The Indian Army said the operation was launched after intelligence inputs about militant movement in the Korag area. It said security personnel encountered militants during the search operation and that Asif’s body was later recovered from the Palmaidan area along with weapons and other material.

The latest allegations come amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and India over the Pahalgam attack and competing claims about responsibility for militant activity in Kashmir.

Pakistan has previously rejected Indian allegations linking it to the Pahalgam attack and has called for an impartial investigation