Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Aug 26: Security forces today busted a militant module in Bandipora district with the arrest of two people, including the wife of a slain militant and arrested three more militants from Kupwara district.
A police spokesman said that based on specific input about the movement of a hybrid militant, a checkpoint was established in Dardgund area of the district on Friday.
He said a person tried to flee on seeing security personnel at the checkpoint and was subsequently arrested.
“A pistol, a pistol magazine, eight rounds and other incriminating material were recovered from him,” the spokesman added. He has been identified as Shafayat Zubair Rishi, a resident of Nesbal Sumbal.
“During his questioning, the accused disclosed that he was on his way to collect a cache of arms and ammunition from a woman identified as Munira Begum – the wife of slain militant commander Yousuf Choupan. She was also arrested,” he said.
The spokesman said that the accused was in touch with Pakistan-based handler Mushtaq Ahmad Mir who “exfiltrated” to the neighbouring country in 1999 and was working for the revival of militancy in the district.
The spokesman said that Rishi was involved in a blast in Kothibagh in 2000 in which 14 people, including 12 police personnel, were killed and had remained associated with the proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen and later on with Al-Badr.
Rishi was also involved in the burning of an Army vehicle in Sumbal in 2009 and is out on bail in the case.
“On the disclosure of Begum, security forces recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including a Krinkov AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 90 rounds and a pen pistol that were to be delivered to Rishi, from a nearby forested area”, the spokesman said.
“During questioning, it was known that Begum had gone to Pakistan twice,” added.
Rishi admitted that he was about to receive Rs 47 lakh for the revival of militancy in the district.
With the busting of this module, the security forces have successfully foiled the nefarious designs of Pakistan-based handlers in reviving militancy in the district.
A case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
In the meantime, security forces arrested three militant associates in two separate operations in Kupwara district and also recovered 5 hand grenades from their possession.
A police spokesperson said that police along with 28 Rashtriya Rifles apprehended two militant associates affiliated with the Laskar-e-Toiba in Kupwara.
The statement reads that acting on credible information received, Police and Army launched an operation to intercept two militant associates who had procured a consignment from an unidentified individual in Kupwara.
“The individuals were traced to be moving towards Shatmuqam with instructions received from Laskkar-e-Toiba commander Ghulam Rasool alias Rafia Rasool originally a resident of Chandigam Lolab and now based in PoK. The apprehended individuals were identified as Zubair Ahmad Shah Peerzada and Peerzada Mubashir Yousf, both residents of Shatmuqam,” it read.
It read that the security forces successfully nabbed the suspects as they attempted to flee. “Five hand grenades and three mobile phones were recovered from them. Initial investigations suggested that the duo had been given assignment of selecting local targets who are involved in disseminating government schemes in the area. They had also shared photographs indicating potential targets to their handlers,” it added.
It further reads that police have registered a case under relevant Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
“Furthermore, in a separate incident, Kupwara Police along with 47 RR (Bihar) acting on reliable information established a joint checkpoint in the general area of Dragmulla Shalpora. This resulted in the interception of a vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, one hand grenade was found concealed beneath the left front seat. The individual, identified as Zahoor Ahmad Khan, was promptly apprehended and taken into custody.”
It added that police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
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