Soon after reports of the killing surfaced, social media platforms were flooded with reactions, memes and film references. Many users compared the shooting to scenes from the film Dhurandhar, which has recently become popular online because of its action-heavy storyline where in undercover Indian agent ‘Hamza’ kills many terrorists in Pakistan.
Several users used phrases such as “Dhurandhar strikes” and “Indian Dhurandhars at work”.
One user posted, “Cheers to Dhurandhar”, while sharing news reports related to the killing.
Cheers to Dhurnadhar🔥
One of the masterminds behind the Pulwama attack, terrorist Hamza Burhan, killed in Pakistan shot dead by unknown gunmen . https://t.co/F69X3wfrG9pic.twitter.com/QMUa3uFQVe
— Lala (@FabulasGuy) May 21, 2026
Another social media user wrote, “Pulwama mastermind Hamza Burhan shot dead by unknown gunmen in PoK’s Muzaffarabad.”
Hamza Burhan, a key figure in the 2019 Pulwama terrorist attack, was killed by unidentified gunmen in Muzaffarabad.
Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) pic.twitter.com/u4W3u05WgN— Vestige¹⁸ (@SanatanEdge) May 21, 2026
Some posts jokingly suggested that “unknown gunmen” had become a recurring phrase linked to attacks on terror-linked figures in Pakistan and PoK.
Indian dhurandhars at work in Pakistan❤️❤️
Pulwama mastermind Hamza Burhan killed by unknown gunmen in PoK.— Rajesh Raina راجیش رینہ 🇮🇳 (@rainarajesh) May 21, 2026
Dhurandhar strikes 🔫
Pulwama attack mastermind Hamza Burhan shot dead by unknown gunmen in PoK’s Muzaffarabad!. pic.twitter.com/b9zGZLkyMm
— Oxomiya Jiyori 🇮🇳 (@SouleFacts) May 21, 2026
Others compared the killing to spy-thriller style movie plots.
However, many users also warned against glorifying violence online or spreading unverified claims without official confirmation.
Rise of mysterious attacks in Pakistan and PoK
In recent years, several terror-linked figures and radical operatives based in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir have reportedly been targeted in mysterious attacks.
Some died in shootings carried out by unknown attackers, while others were reportedly killed in internal rivalries or gang wars.
In many such cases, the exact identities of attackers remain unclear.
These incidents have repeatedly triggered speculation on social media, often leading to conspiracy theories and online narratives comparing them to espionage films or covert operations.
The killing of Hamza Burhan has now added to that growing list of mysterious incidents.
A digital face of terror propaganda
Security agencies believe Hamza Burhan represented a new type of terror operative, one who worked heavily through digital platforms instead of only physical networks.
Officials said propaganda videos, posters and emotional messaging targeting youth have become major tools used by terror outfits in recent years.
Experts have repeatedly warned that online radicalisation campaigns can influence vulnerable youngsters by presenting militancy in a glamorous or emotional way.
According to officials, this ‘digital warfare’ became even more active after changes in Jammu and Kashmir’s political and security environment following Article 370’s removal.
Questions remain unanswered
Despite the growing discussion online, several important questions remain unanswered.
There is still no official public confirmation from Pakistan regarding the exact circumstances of the killing.
The identities of the attackers also remain unknown.
(With inputs from agencies)