Mubashir Bukhari
Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Police today claimed to have arrested three JeM OGWs (over-ground workers) involved in the Srinagar grenade attack, in which two CRPF men and seven civilians suffered injuries.
The three militant associates have been identified as Naveed-ul-Lateef Padroo, Shakeel Ahmad Padroo, both residents of Pulwama and Shamshad Manzoor of Shopian.
According to an official statement, Srinagar police arrested them after receiving credible input regarding their involvement in militant activities. “In pursuance of the investigation of a terror-related case under FIR No 10/2020 pertaining to a recent attack at Lal Chowk. Police was able to identify three militant associates who were involved in establishing of militant networks and facilitating the execution of militant activities across the valley,” the police said.
The Police also said that during the investigation, the arrested OGWs revealed that they had links with militants across the border in Pakistan through the internet and VPN. “On the direction of Pakistani based militant Shaheen, these three arrested persons were extending the militant networks in the valley,” police said.
Police also said that the arrest of the trio has given a major jolt to JeM, who were trying to extend their network in Srinagar.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Haseeb Mughal said one of the arrested include Shakeel Ahmad, a close relative of former politician and PDP Minister Khalil Band.
“Shamshad Manzoor is a 12th class pass out, and Naveed-ul-Lateef, who was a meritorious student was in Srinagar preparing for NEET exams,” the officer said.
He said Naveed and Shamshad have been recent recruits, while Shakeel was active for last three years.
The trio, Haseeb said, was so much motivated by the group that on the day of their attack, they had to flip a coin to decide who would hurl the grenade. “The tiff was between Naveed and Shamshad, over who will hurl the grenade and earn deeds,” Haseeb said.
According to the SSP, the trio had been doing a recce for an hour before they lobbed the grenade in the park with an aim to target the forces and not civilians. “It was when they found forces busy in washing hands nearby that they threw the grenade,” he added.
Haseeb also said that in the coming days, former PDP leader Khalil Band will be called for questioning. The coaching center where Naveed was studying will also be visited, he said.
