3 LeT militants, as many OGWs arrested in Kashmir; weapons seized

Srinagar: Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants, including the one involved in the killing of a police Inspector, and as many Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition across Kashmir valley on Friday.

A police spokesperson said that police arrested an accused, identified as Muheeb Bashir Dar, involved in killing of Inspector Parvez Ahmad. "In this regard, a Case FIR No 75/2021 U/S 302 IPC; 13,16,18,23, UL(P)Act has already been registered in Police Station Nowgam," he added.

Parvez was shot dead by two armed militants from point-blank range while he was on way to a Mosque to offer prayers on June 22, 2021. "The other accused person arrested is also involved in many other militancy-related incidents," he added.

Acting on a specific input about the movement of militants and their planning to attack on security forces, a joint checkpoint was established at Mujhmarg Junction in south Kashmir district of Shopian by police, Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 178 battalion of CRPF.

"During checking, a suspicious person was signaled to stop. The suspect tried to flee from the spot but was apprehended tactfully by the naka party," he said.

He said the accused has been identified as Kamran Bashir Hajam, an active militant of LeT. "During his search, one grenade and 29 rounds of 7.62 mm calibre were recovered," he added.

In a separate operation, following the specific information about the presence of militants, a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched by Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K police, 55 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 182 battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the orchards of village Nikloora in Pulwama.

He said during the operation, a suspicious person was spotted and tactfully apprehended. "Arms and ammunition, including a pistol, were recovered from his possession," he said, adding that the arrested person has been identified as a categorized militant Shamim Sofi.

He said Sofi had joined LeT in July this year.

He said a joint checkpoint was established by police, 1 Rashtriya Rifle (RR) and 46 battalion CRPF at Malpora Mir Bazar crossing area of Qazigund in Kulgam. "Security forces signaled a motorcycle and a vehicle to stop at the checkpoint. But they tried to flee from the spot," he added.

Naka party chased and apprehended them tactfully. "Three OGWs onboard the motorcycle and vehicle -- identified as Aubaid Mushtaq, Aadil Jamal Bhat and Danish Rasool Bhat – were apprehended," he informed.

According to the spokesperson, during the search, a huge quantity of arms and ammunition -- including one AK-Rifle, one AK-Magzine, four Grenade, four Detonators, one IED, one IED wire and 30 Pistol Rounds-- were recovered from their possession. "Vehicles used in commission of crime have also been seized," the spokesperson said.

He said a case vide FIR No 243/2021 under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Qazigund. "Further investigation of the case is on," he added. (UNI)