Hizb comdr arrested in Baramulla
*25 militants killed this year so far: DGP
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Feb 22: Two militants of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) were killed in an encounter by security forces in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district while a Hizbul Mujahideen commander was arrested from Baramulla district today.
A joint operation was launched by Army, Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Sangam area of Bijbehara in Anantnag district after reports of presence of militants in the area. Two militants were killed in a gunfight that broke out during a cordon and search operation. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.
They have been identified as Naveed Ahmad Bhat alias Furqan from Qoimoh, Kulgam and Aqib Yaseen Bhat of the same village.
Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, said that Naveed had joined the militant ranks in 2018 and since then he has been involved in scores of terror related incidents. “There are a total of 7 FIRs registered against him”, he said. He added that Aqib joined Lashkar-e-Toiba in June 2019 and since then he has been active. “One FIR has been registered in his name”, he said.
He said that Naveed was involved in attacking police and army at several instances, including civilians. “Post abrogation of Article 370, he was involved in carrying out activities such as pasting posters, threatening people against carrying out their day to day business activities”, he added.
In the meantime, Baramulla Police, on a specific tipoff has arrested one Hizbul Mujahideen commander today. “He has been identified as Junaid Farooq Pandit. He is from Hamray, Pattan. Thirty rounds and one pistol have been recovered from his possession. He was tasked to carry out targeted killings”, the DGP said.
He added said that in 2020, so far, 12 successful operations were carried out. Out of 12, 2 were carried out in Jammu and 10 in Kashmir. “A total of 25 terrorists have been killed in these 12 operations”, he added.
Singh said that the OGWs are support structure of the militants and at least 40 such people were arrested.
“The number of listed militants has come down drastically. The figure has come down from 250. During the infiltration attempts that occurred over the period of last two months, there are confirmed reports that three people have infiltrated. One among them has already been killed”, he added.
He said that the cases of misuse of social media are coming to the fore. “In this regard, one Waseem Dar from Handwara was arrested. He has posted irresponsible content on the social media platforms. The posting of the content was aimed at instigating people”, he said.
“We are making sure that nobody is harassed unnecessarily and at the same time, we will also make sure that the action against the terrorists who have made people suffer in all the ways will continue in synchronization”, he said.
And Inspector General of Police (IGP), Vijay Kumar, said that they are registering a case against a Pulwama youth who is in Dubai for malicious activities.
“There is an account by name Hafiz Suhail and when we verified, it came out that his name is Suhail Wali S/o Wali Muhammad R/o Dalipora Pulwama. We carried out a search at his house and his parents said that he is in Dubai. But today we are registering a case against him for malicious activities”, he said.
Meanwhile, police today arrested an Over Ground Work of LeT in Sopore area of North Kashmir.
He has been identified as Muzamil Ahmad War, resident of Warpora, Sopore.
As per police records he was involved in assisting the LeT militants in the areas of Sopore.
Police said, as per the investigations, he was providing logistic support and shelter to the militants operating in the areas of Sopore.
Police said incriminating materials have been recovered from his possession and a case under relevant sections of law stands registered against him.
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