Kupwara (NVI): Two terrorists and three terror associates affiated to the Al-Badr militant outfit have been arrested by security forces in Handwara area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir, police said today.
On the basis of specific information regarding the movement of ANEs (Anti National Elements), Handwara Police along with Army’s 32 RR and 92 Bn of CRPF established a naka (checking-point) at Kachloo crossing on Baramulla-Handwara Highway, they said.
During the checking, three persons riding a motorcycle were found in suspicious condition and they tried to escape from the spot but were apprehended by the search party, according to police.
On preliminary questioning, they trio disclosed their identities as Mohd Yaseen Rather, Showkat Ahmad Ganie and Ghulam Nabi Rather, all residents of village Kachloo Qaziabad.
Arms, ammunition and a letter pad of terrorist outfit Al-Badr were recovered from their possession, according to Handwara police.
During further questioning, the trio revealed that they were working with Al-Badr as OGWs (Over Ground Workers) and were providing logistic support, food and shelter to the militant outfit. They were also helping to create OGW network for Al-Badr and were identifying safe routes for their movement.
A case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Kralgund and investigation set into motion, police said.
The arrested trio further disclosed that two other persons known to them had recently joined the militant ranks and were operating in Handwara area.
Accordingly, Handwara Police along with Army’s 21RR launched a cordon and search operation in the forest area of Baderkali. Two persons along with arms and ammunitions were held. They have been identified as Saleem Yousuf Rather, Iqhlaq Ahmad Sheikh, both residents of Watergam in north Kashmir’s Baramulla.
The duo joined militant ranks recently and were planning to attack security forces installations, panchs, sarpanchs and other peace loving people to create violence in the area, the police said, adding that further investigation is going on.
-ARK
