Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 4 The National Investigation Agency today arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad operative from South Kashmir who was allegedly involved in 2017 attack on CRPF Group Centre at Lethpora in Pulwama.
A spokesperson of NIA said that Fayaz Ahmad Magray son of Late Jalalludin Magray, a resident of village Lethpora, Awantipora in Pulwama was arrested for his involvement in CRPF group centre attack at Lethpora in 2017.
He said that the attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora was carried out in December by three militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
The spokesman said that during the investigation, the three militants were identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, son of Ghulam Mohideen Khandey, a resident of Nazeenpora, Tral; Manzoor Baba, son of Ali Mohammad Baba, resident of Drubgam Pulwama; a Pakistani namely Abdul Shakoor resident of Rawalakot area of Pakistan.
“All the three were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were killed and 3 were grievously injured”, he said.
He added that Fayaz Ahmad Magray is an active Over Ground Worker of the JeM. “He is a key conspirator who provided logistical support such as shelter to the militants and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora before the attack. In 2001 also, he was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) by Jammu and Kashmir Police and remained under detention for 16 months”, the spokesman said.
He added that Fayaz will be produced in the Special NIA Court, Jammu for seeking police custody for further investigation and unearthing of the larger conspiracy.
And in the meantime, Police with assistance of Army’s 52 RR and CRPF arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammad operative from North Kashmir.
A police officer said that a joint naka was established at Daulatpora, Kreeri and one person Hazaif Ahmed Bhat son of Mohammad Shafi Bhat of Saloosa Kreeri in Baramulla district was arrested.
Police said that he was an active conduit of Jaish-e-Mohamamd operating in Sopore and Baramulla areas. Upon his instance, police has recovered one hand grenade and other incriminating material.
Police said that he has been arrested and further investigation into the matter is going on.
Clashes today erupted in Tarigam village of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district after security forces launched searches in the area against militants.
Police, Army’s Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are jointly carrying out the operation after specific input about presence of militants in the area.
Youth from the area took to streets and clashed with security forces after the search operation was launched.
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