Baramulla, Aug 18: Security forces comprising Baramulla Police and the Army’s 16 SIKHLI busted two cross-border terror modules operating in the Uri region of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
The separate operations which took place in the Churunda and Powarian Thajal areas, resulted in the arrest of eight terrorist associates affiliated with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit. Police said that arms, ammunition, and incriminating evidence were also recovered during the operations.
Addressing a press conference, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure said that on August 8, during a routine joint patrolling and area domination exercise, the joint forces encountered a suspicious person in Churunda Uri. “The person attempted to evade the patrolling party but was tactfully apprehended,” he said.
He said that subsequent personal searches of the person led to the discovery of two grenades in his possession.
“The individual was identified as Showkat Ali Awan, son of Abdul Karim Awanm, a resident of Churunda Uri. Interrogation of Showkat Ali Awan yielded vital information about his accomplices, Ahmad Din son of Shukur Din and Mohammad Sadeeq Khatana son of Umer Din, both residents of Churunda Uri,” the SSP further said.
A subsequent search of the accomplices resulted in the confiscation of two grenades, one Chinese pistol, one pistol magazine, and four live rounds. The SSP said that similarly, on August 11, while conducting a naka (checkpoint) operation at Powarian Thajal Uri, the joint forces signaled a Maruti Swift (bearing registration number CHOID-9588) to halt. “The occupants of the vehicle claimed to be en route to a hospital due to medical emergencies, raising suspicion among the naka party.” The SSP said four hand grenades, two pistols, two pistol magazines, 10 live rounds, and Rs 50,000 were recovered from the vehicle.”
“The occupants were identified as Akhter Ahmad Bhat son of Niyaz Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Tarzoo Sopore, Mohammad Aslam Khatana son of Ata Mohammad, a resident of Churunda Uri, Muneer Ahmad son of Ghulam Mohiuddin, a resident of Jabla Uri, Mudassir Yuosuf Gokno son of Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Krankshivan and Bilal Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Dar, a resident of Hardushiva,” SSP Baramulla said while briefing the media. Police said that investigations have revealed that the arrested individuals were actively engaged in cross-border arms smuggling at the behest of Pakistan-based terror handlers. “The seized weaponry was intended for distribution among LeT terrorists to carry out terror activities in the region,” police said.
“Cases have been registered under the Indian Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA[P] Act) at the Uri Police Station. The search operations are still in progress. Extensive search of the area is being carried out. The recovery of such large cache of arms and ammunition is a huge setback to the nefarious designs of terrorist organisations to disrupt peace and tranquility in Kashmir Valley. Security Forces in complete synergy are always combat ready and are committed to keep the Valley safe and secure, police said.
