SRINAGAR: Police have launched a manhunt for Jaish-e-Muhammud’s new leader who is only three ft tall. He has been identified as Noor Mohammad Tantray, 47 years old and is resident of Tral, Delhi newspaper Indian Express reported.

“Tantray, who was arrested in Delhi in 2003 and sentenced to life by a POTA court in 2011, is reported to have jumped parole a few months ago and rejoined militancy,” the newspaper said.

It quoted a senior police officer saying: “Our investigations into the recent attacks have revealed that he (Tantray) is playing a pivotal role in the Jaish. He and another Jaish commander, Mufti Waqas, have been playing a major role in the recent attacks carried out by the outfit.”

Police sources have told the newspaper that “Tantray provided logistical support to JeM militants who stormed the District Police Lines in Pulwama in August.” Besides, he has been held responsible for the October 3, attack on a BSF unit outside Srinagar airport. “Sources said Tantray was also found to be involved in the grenade attack on State PWD Minister Naeem Akhtar’s cavalcade in Tral on September 21.”

Termed a “military mind” like “Abdul Qayoom Najar”, the police have said that his only disadvantage is his height.

Police have also told the newspaper that “Tantray was earlier a close aide of Jaish commander Ghazi Baba, who masterminded the 2001 attack on Parliament. After Ghazi Baba was killed, Tantray was arrested from Delhi’s Sadar Bazar on August 31, 2003. The Delhi Police claimed to have recover Rs 19.2 lakh from his possession and accused him of being in touch with JeM militants.”

In January 2011, police have said “Tantray and four others, including two from Kashmir, were sentenced to life imprisonment by a POTA court in Delhi. After being lodged in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for some time, he was shifted to Srinagar. Tantray was released on parole in 2015, after which the Jammu and Kashmir High Court extended his parole several times.”

Termed a “military mind” like “Abdul Qayoom Najar”, the police have said that his only disadvantage is his height. “He can be easily identified, making his movement difficult,” the newspaper quoted a police officer saying. He is believed to have joined militancy only three months back.

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