3 LeT associates arrested for grenade attack
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 8: Security forces today killed two militants at Sagipora area of Sopore in district Baramulla and arrested three militant associates of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) who were involved in the grenade attack on Sunday at TRC flea market that left 12 persons injured.
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The operation, which was launched based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area yesterday, also resulted in the recovery of a huge cache of arms and ammunition.
Speaking to reporters, Commander of the 7th Sector Counter Insurgency Force (Kilo), Deepak Mohan, said two militants were killed. He described the operation as a “major success” for the security forces.
“Over the past few days, we had received specific intelligence inputs regarding terrorist activities in Sopore. Acting on this information, a joint operation was launched by the Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police and CRPF. The area was cordoned off, and during the search operation, we encountered suspicious movements,” he said.
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The Commander, who was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of North Kashmir, Maqsood Ul Zaman and Superintendent of Police (SP) Sopore, Divya D, said the militants opened fire on the Army troops while taking cover behind local settlements.
The alert security forces retaliated effectively, taking care to minimise harm to civilians. “We managed to control the situation and evacuated nearby houses to ensure the safety of the local population,” he added.
The troops continued to monitor the movement of the militants’ using quadcopters, and on the morning of November 8, the militants resumed firing. “Security forces responded swiftly and neutralised the terrorists. We ensured the safety of local residents throughout the operation,” the Commander said.
“The identification process is still ongoing, but our sources and the recovered weapons suggest that these terrorists were part of a larger network operating in the region. Their elimination is a huge success for our forces,” the CO said.
The recovery of arms included two AK-series rifles with nine magazines, a pistol, a grenade and other war-like stores.
Commander Mohan also credited the success of the operation to the unwavering support of the local population. “Their support in maintaining peace and order in the region is invaluable,” he added.
This operation follows a string of successful counter-insurgency efforts in recent weeks. “In collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police, we have been able to track and neutralise several known terrorists involved in militancy in north Kashmir,” the Army officer said.
Regarding the identification and possible affiliation of the killed militants, Zaman said that investigations are still in progress. “The operation has just concluded, and the process of identifying these individuals is underway. We will confirm their affiliation after a thorough investigation,” he said.
When asked if the slain terrorists were part of the same group involved in recent attacks in Bandipora and Kupwara, Zaman said it was too early to draw conclusions. “We are investigating the matter, and a case has been registered. Further investigation will clarify whether they were part of that same group or not,” he added.
The DIG North Kashmir said there had been reports of infiltration in the area, which could suggest that the militants involved in this operation were from a newly infiltrated group. “Everything will be clarified once the investigation is complete,” he said.
In the meantime, police today arrested three militant associates of LeT who were involved in the grenade attack on Sunday at TRC flea market that left 12 persons injured.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone V K Birdi told reporters here that the Srinagar police have solved the attack case with the arrest of three LeT associates.
“The arrested persons have been identified as Usama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh. All three belong to the Ikhrajpora area of the city,” Birdi told reporters.
He said the terror associates carried out the attack at the instance of Pakistani handlers with the aim of disturbing the peace and tranquility.
“A case under UAPA [Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act] has been registered against the trio,” he added.
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