Guwahati: Five terrorist associates associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen terror module have been arrested by security agents.
According to a press release from the Kashmir Police, District Police Kupwara and the Army received reliable information from military intelligence and other intelligence agencies that the Kralpora area is home to a Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) terror module that not only aids terrorists in finding safe haven but also other logistics like weapons and ammunition.
Based on this information, a joint team of the police and the army detained three terrorist associates, including Riyaz Ahmad Lone, son of Mohammad Yousuf Lone of Kralpora, and Ab Rouf Malik, son of Gh Mohammad Malik and Altaf Ahmad Payer, son of Gh Qadir Payer both of whom reside in Dardsun Kralpora.
The trio said during questioning that two hideouts built for HM terrorists on the orders of a terrorist handler headquartered in Pakistan named Farooq Ahmad Pir @ Nadeem Usmani of Kakroosa Kupwara who is currently based in POK also had some weapons and ammo. Following the revelation and identification of the arrested trio, both of the two hiding places have been found. From the hideouts, one AK rifle, two AK magazines, 119 AK rounds, a pistol, a pistol magazine, four pistol rounds, six hand grenades, an IED, two detonators, two wire bundles and a water tank with a capacity of about 100 litres have all been found.
The group also received money in the sum of Rs. 6 lacs in June 2022, which was intended for buying supplies for building hideouts and buying weapons and ammunition. Out of these 6 lacs, 64000 rupees have also been recovered. Ab Majeed Beigh, the son of Ghulam Mohammad Beigh and a resident of Humhama Budgam, along with another suspect from Bandipora, who had been actively aiding the trio in their actions have also been held for further inquiry.
Another terrorist handler, Fayaz Geelani of Budgam who is currently located in POK was also in charge of the terrorist associates.
The apprehended group was tasked with choosing targets for terrorists in the valley as well as radicalising additional young people to join terrorist ranks, in addition to providing logistical assistance, weapons and ammunition, and other facilities for the conduct of terrorist actions.
Police Station Kralpora has opened an investigation into Case FIR No. 98/2022 in accordance with the pertinent provisions of the UA (P) Act. It is possible that there will be more arrests and finds in this case.