JAMMU: J&K police on May 13 said it has arrested Mashkoor Ahmed and Maneer Ahmed for helping terrorists operating in the area. The arrested persons were believed to be supporters of the Saifullah group and aided foreign terrorists (read Pakistanis) by providing shelter and logistical support in the Singhpora area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district. The Chatroo area is a difficult terrain due to steep gradient, dense forests and a largely uninhibited mountainous topographyy.
A couple of months ago, two major encounters had happened here with the Saifullah group leading to elimination of several terrorists. In one encounter, three terrorists were killed and in the second encounter, four terrorists were eliminated due to synergy of various security forces deployed in the area. The security forces had pursued these two groups relentlessly but they had managed to give a slip to them many times.
This was possible because of the network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and sleeper cells working at the behest of the enemy who tipped off terrorists.
An official said that police has arrested key accused linked to providing aid to foreign terrorists at a hideout in Singhpora, Chatroo, Kishtwar. The case is registered under FIR No. 03/2026 at Police Station Chatroo, invoking Sections 61(2), 109, 147, 148 of BNS; Sections 13, 16, 18, 19, 20 of UAPA; and Section 7/27 of the Arms Act. The area challenges the security forces as the other side of this lies the higher reaches of Kokernag area of Anantnag district of Kashmir.
SSP Kishtwar Naresh Singh said that through meticulous investigation and precise operations, police apprehended Mashkoor Ahmed S/o Mohd Ramzan, resident of Beighpora, Singhpora, Kishtwar, a teacher in the School Education Department. He was directly implicated in facilitating the terrorists’ hideout. This arrest disrupts critical logistics supporting terror activities in the region, official said.
Earlier, Maneer Ahmed, resident of Bandeyan Naidgam, was also arrested for similar offenses. Maneer was providing logistical support to the terrorists in the area which included providing information about movement of security forces and buying rations and carrying them to hideouts.
Investigation continues to dismantle the entire network, with all perpetrators to face justice under due legal process, he said. Gathering actionable intelligence in this area is a very difficult task for the security forces.
J&K Police reaffirm its iron fisted approach to eradicating anti-national activities, ensuring no safe haven for those aiding terrorists or undermining national security. The force remains steadfast in upholding peace, public order, and security for all citizens.
J&K Police maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its supporters, mounting an unrelenting crackdown and leaving no stone unturned to neutralize threats to peace and sovereignty of India.
