Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Feb 12 : Security forces today busted a militant module in North Kashmir’s Sopore area and arrested four militants and their three associates.
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Deputy Inspector General of Police North Kashmir range, Udaybhaskar Billa, told a news conference that four militants of Al-Badr outfit and their three associates were arrested in Rafiabad area during a joint operation by police, Army and CRPF.
He said that war like stores including UBGL, AK-47, some rounds and three pistols and a cash amount of over Rs 3 lakh cash was recovered from their possession.
He said that a joint operation was launched by Army’s 32 RR, Police and 92 Bn of CRPF after Sopore police got specific inputs about the presence of militants in the area.
Billa said that during the operation three militants were arrested and during their questioning they got some more leads, which led to arrest of one more militant.
He said that during their further questioning they disclosed that they were working with a Pakistan based handler Yousuf Balochi alias Khursheed.
“Khursheed is a resident of Anantnag and is presently in Pakistan. He used to train these militants and after training they were sent here. They were tasked to attack security forces in the coming days, however, due to timely action by the forces their plans were averted,” he said.
They have been identified as Waris Tantry son of Abdul Lateef Tantray of Rawoocha Rafiabad, Amir Sultan Wani son of Mohammad Sultan Wani of Nowpora Sopore, Tariq Ahmed Bhat son of Sanaullah Bhat of Chontipora Handwara and Ashraf Nazir Bhat son of late Nazir Ahmad Bhat.
The official said that on their disclosure another uncategorised militant Ashraf Nazir Bhat son of late Nazir Ahmed Bhat was arrested and three associates Mohammad Ashraf Malik son of Mohammad Akbar Malik of Drungsoo, Mohammad Afzal Thokar son of Abdul Aziz Thokar and Shabir Ahmed Shah son of Ghulam Hassan Shah—both residents of Handwara were also arrested in a joint operation.
An official said that these militants were given task to revive militancy in Rafiabad area of Sopore, recruitment of youth in Al-Badr outfit, providing logistics support to militants, procurement and arranging weapons for new recruits etc.
He said a case wide FIR No. 14/2022 under relevant Sections of law has been registered at PS Dangiwacha, and further investigation was in progress.
Meanwhile, DIG while replying to a question also said that in the recent past they have recovered some heroin and other narcotic substances at various places.
He said that police were continuously acting against Narco militancy and they have registered 5 cases within two months in this regard.
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