SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Police in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district have dismantled two militant modules by apprehending eight militant associates on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference in Baramulla, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amod Nagpure stated that a combined team of Baramulla Police and Army’s 16 SIKHLI, during patrolling and area domination at Churunda Uri, detected an individual acting suspiciously in the vicinity.
The individual attempted to evade the patrolling party’s notice but was apprehended skillfully, he mentioned.
Upon conducting a personal search, two grenades were discovered in his possession, leading to his immediate arrest.
The detained individual was later identified as Showkat Ali Awan, son of Abdul Karim Awan from Churunda Uri.
Subsequent to further interrogation, he disclosed the identities of his accomplices, Ahmad Din and Shukur Din of Churunda Uri, and Mohammad Sadeeq Khatana, son of Umer Din of Churunda. Following their revelations, law enforcement confiscated two grenades, one Chinese pistol, one pistol magazine, and four live rounds from their possession, Amod explained.
Additionally, SSP Nagpure revealed that similarly, on August 11, 2023, at Powarian Thaial Uri, during a checkpoint inspection, the naka team signaled a Maruti Swift vehicle with registration number CHOID-9588 to stop. The vehicle, traveling from Thajal to Uri, complied. However, the driver and the four passengers in the vehicle requested passage on the grounds of medical emergencies. This raised suspicions among the naka team.
The team initiated an immediate search of the vehicle, leading to the discovery of four hand grenades, two pistols, two pistol magazines, 10 live rounds, and Rs 50,000 in cash.
All five individuals, including the driver, were promptly taken into custody. They were later identified as Akhter Bhat, son of Niyaz Bhat from Tarzoo Sopore; Mohammad Aslam Khatana, son of Ata Mohammad from Churunda Uri; Muneer Ahmad, son of Mohiuddin from Jabla Uri; Mudasir Yousuf Gokno, son of Mohammad Yousuf from Krankshivan; and Bilal Ahmad Dar, son of Gh Mohiuddin from Hardushiva Sopore.
“The accused are implicated in cross-border arms and ammunition smuggling, acting on the directives of Pakistan-based militant handlers, with the intent of further distributing these materials to LeT militants for executing acts of terror,” Amod stated.
He added, “Cases under the Indian Arms Act & UA (P) Act were registered at the Uri Police Station, and further investigations have commenced.” (KNO)
