Two newly-recruited Al Badar militants, 3 OGWs arrested in Kupwara

Srinagar: Two newly-recruited Al Badar militants and three Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition in the frontier Kashmir district of Kupwara.        

A senior police officer said that following specific information, a joint checkpoint was established by police, 32 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and 92 battalion of CRPF at Kachloo crossing on Baramulla-Handwara highway. “Security forces signaled a motorcyclist, with two pillion mate, to stop at the checkpoint,” he said.

He said the trio tried to escape from the spot but was stopped by the search party. “The trio, identified as Mohammad Yaseen Rather, Showkat Ahmad Ganie and Ghulam Nabi Rather, was immediately taken into custody,” he said.

He said during their search, arms, ammunitions and letter pad of Al Badar were recovered from their possession.

During questioning it emerged that the trio was working with militant outfit Al Badar as OGWs. “The accused were providing logistic support, food and shelter to the militant,” he said.

He said the trio also confessed to help create OGW network for militant outfit and were identifying safe routes for their movement. “A case under relevant sections was registered in Police Station Kralgund and investigation set into motion,” he said.

“During investigation, the arrested persons disclosed that two other persons known to them have recently joined the militant ranks and were operating in Handwara area,” he said.

He said accordingly Police along with 21RR launched a Cordon and Search Operation in the forest area of Baderkali. “During search operation, two persons along with arms and ammunitions were arrested,” he said.

He said militants were identified as Saleem Yousuf Rather and Iqhlaq Ahmad Sheikh.

“The duo has joined militant ranks recently and was planning to attack security forces installations, pancha and sarpanchs to create violence in the area,” he added.

He said all the accused were being questioned and more arrests could happen in coming days. (UNI)