Three persons were arrested after security forces allegedly recovered explosive substances and posters of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit from their possession in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said on Friday. In a similar incident reported from Kishtwar district of Jammu region, two persons have been arrested by the police for their alleged terror links.
The arrests in Shopian were made during an operation in the Pudsoo area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Thursday night. Police recovered two hand grenades, 2.5 kg of PEK (plastic explosive Kirkee), four mobile phones and posters related to the terrorist outfit from the trio.
PEK (Plastic Explosive Kirkee) is a highly potent and specialized demolition explosive classified under India’s “special category explosives,”. Incidentally, it shares explosive characteristics with RDX, TNT and PETN, and can be considered a very potent weapon in the hands of terrorists.
The high-grade plastic explosive, known for its devastating impact and malleability, is rarely found outside controlled military or industrial settings. Terrorists have been known to use it for carrying out explosions via Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and damaging government property.
The accused were identified as Aizaz Ahmad Khanday, Arbaz Ahmad Mir and Nasir Ahmad Dar, all residents of Begama village in Shopian. Officials said the three had been missing from their homes since May 31. Further investigation into the case is underway.
Their family members had intimated the police that Khanday, Dar and Mir had gone missing from their homes that day. Such cases were reported at a couple of other places also. In view of the coming Shri Amarnath yatra and rush to tourist spots in the Union Territory (UT) of J&K, the police has been keeping a keen watch on such incidents.
The intelligence agencies are trying to find out their handlers and arrest the people who gave them this high-grade explosive.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday arrested two Over Ground Workers (OGWs), including a government employee, in Kishtwar district as part of a crackdown on alleged terror support networks, officials said.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar Naresh Singh said the arrests were made in connection with a case registered at Police Station Kishtwar under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Arms Act.
He said the arrested accused have been identified as Tariq Ahmed Ginoo, a Forest Department employee, and Mohd Iqbal, both residents of Tander, Dachan, in Kishtwar. They were allegedly involved in providing logistical support to active terrorists operating in the area. The higher reaches of Kishtwar district posed significant challenges to the security forces due to dense forests and tough terrain.
Earlier, police had also arrested Muneer Ahmed and Mashkoor Ahmed, residents of Chatroo, for similar offences, he added. After their sustained interrogation, it is likely that more OGWs may be arrested.
The SSP said the investigation is ongoing to dismantle the entire network and identify all those involved. He reiterated the police’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its support structures, adding that efforts are underway to maintain peace, public order and security in the region.
