KEY POINTS
- Four Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives arrested in Bandipora for plotting attacks on security forces and non-locals.
- Arms recovered include Chinese grenades, a 7.62 mm magazine, and 60 rounds of ammunition.
- Police registered UAPA cases and confirmed the accused were following instructions from Pakistan-based handlers.
In a significant breakthrough against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the Bandipora Police announced on April 24 the arrest of four overground workers (OGWs) linked to the banned terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The arrests have effectively busted a terror module that was allegedly plotting attacks on police personnel, security forces, and non-locals.
Foiled Plot to Target Police and Civilians
According to an official police statement, credible intelligence indicated that several OGWs, acting on instructions from their Pakistan-based handlers, had hatched a conspiracy to carry out attacks in Naidkhai Sumbal, Ajas, and surrounding areas. Responding swiftly, Bandipora Police initiated a district-wide manhunt and set up multiple naka (checkpost) operations in collaboration with paramilitary forces.
First Arrests at Kanipora Naidkhai Sumbal
In a joint operation with D-Coy of the 45 Bn CRPF and E-Coy of 13 Rashtriya Rifles, a naka was established at Kanipora Naidkhai Sumbal. During this operation, two suspects named Mohammad Rafiq Khanday of Khanday Mohalla Watalpira, Banyari, and Mukhtar Ahmad of Bunpora Mohalla, K. Bala were apprehended.
A search of the duo led to the recovery of illegal arms, including 2 Chinese hand grenades, 1 magazine of 7.62 mm and 30 live rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.
A case was promptly registered at Police Station Sumbal under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and further investigation is ongoing.
Second Arrests at Sadunara Ajas
In another operation, Bandipora Police, along with F-Coy 3rd Bn CRPF and 13 RR Ajas camp, set up a joint checkpoint at Sadunara Ajas. Here, two more suspects were detained named Rayees Ahmad Dar of Saderkoot Bala and Mohd Shafi Dar of Banyari.
Several illegal arms and ammunition were seized from them including1 Chinese hand grenade, 1 magazine of 7.62 mm and 30 live rounds of 7.62 mm. This case has also been registered under UAPA at Police Station Sumbal.
Admitted Plans to Attack
During preliminary questioning, the arrested individuals admitted to being active OGWs for Lashkar-e-Taiba. They revealed that their task was to target police, security forces, and non-local civilians in multiple areas, including Ajas and Naidkhai Sumbal.
The successful operations mark a major step in preventing what could have been a deadly wave of violence and reinforce the security forces’ commitment to eradicating terrorism from the region. Investigations are ongoing to uncover deeper links and identify handlers behind the plot.
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