Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 26: Police today busted a Hizbul Mujahideen militant module by arresting three of its associates, who were also involved in killing of Panch in Kulpora area in South Kashmir Kulgam district.
Police said that on 2nd March militants shot dead a Panch Mohammad Yaqoob Dar son of Ghulam Mohammad Dar resident of Kulpora Kulgam.
In this regard, a case (FIR No. 27/2022 under relevant Sections of law) at Police Station Kulgam was registered and investigation conducted through a Special Investigation Team.
During the course of investigation, it was learnt that an active militant of Hizbul Mujahideen Farooq Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Gani Bhat resident of Cheki Desend Yaripora had received directions from militant handlers based in Pakistan to target the PRI members of Kulgam.
“On their directions, he identified the target and gave direction accordingly to active militant Raja Nadeem Rather son of Abdul Rehman Rather resident of Ashmuji to execute the militant act with the support of their associates Nasser Ahmad Wani son of Bashir Ahmad Wani resident of Srandoo, Adil Manzoor Rather son of Manzoor Ahmad Rather resident of Ashmuji and Majid Mohammad Rather son of Ghulam Mohammad Rather resident of Malipora Mirbazar,” said a police spokesman.
The spokesperson further stated that the directions included to conduct recce of the Panch’s presence, arrange transport and provide logistics to execute the militant act.
After strenuous efforts, Kulgam police arrested the militant associates involved in the incident and also seized two grenades and one Pistol with eight rounds.
“It is pertinent to mention here that the module is linked with already busted (HM) militant module involved in the killing of Sarpanch Shabir Ahmad Mir son of Mohammad Abdullah Mir, resident of Audoora Kulgam on 11th March of this year,” he said.
“The investigation of the case is going on and based on the investigation more arrests and recoveries are also expected. Efforts are on to neutralise the militants involved in this heinous crime,” the spokesman added.
In Baramulla, based on specific reliable inputs regarding movement of two militants in a vehicle moving towards Srinagar, a joint Motor Vehicle Checking Points (MVCPs) were established by Police, 29RR, and SSB at various spots along the national highway and surrounding by-lanes.
Police said that at one such MVCP established at Hanjiveera Bala, a speedy vehicle (Tavera), swerving in a suspicious manner, was signalled to stop. However, as the vehicle stopped, two people jumped off the vehicle and fled towards nearby wooded orchard area.
“The alert joint team chased the duo tactfully and also the escape route cut offs were activated, who succeeded in nabbing them. They have been identified as Mohd Aqib Mir alias Kian Mir alias Raqib Mir son of Mohammad Ramzan Mir resident of Batpora, Sopore and Danish Ahad Dar son of Abdul Ahad Dar resident of Sopore. During search, incriminating material including two Chinese pistols, two pistol magazines, 10 rounds and two grenades were recovered,” police said.
“The duo has been arrested and taken into custody for further questioning besides, the vehicle has also been seized. During the course of investigation, it has transpired that the duo belong to JeM hybrid module and were looking for targeting of PRIs and minority/ outsiders. The successful apprehension of these militants has foiled major attacks in the area including the killing of Sarpanchs,” police said.
In the meantime, militants made a failed attempt to snatch rifle of a paramilitary CRPF personnel in Anantnag district today.
Police said that the militants threw chilly powder into his eyes of the paramilitary trooper while he was performing duty at the gate of Kashmiri Pandit at Reshibazar Anantnag. However, his colleagues including policemen present there foiled the attempt.
The militants also managed to escape from the spot and entire area was cordoned off and searches were conducted but no one was arrested.
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