Police arrest two ‘hybrid militants’ in north Kashmir’s Kupwara

Srinagar, July 28

Security forces on Friday arrested two “hybrid militants” of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and recovered arms from them in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Police along with Army’s 28 RR arrested the duo and recovered four pistols, eight pistol magazines, 130 pistol rounds and ten hand grenades from them, a police spokesperson said.

Acting on credible information that two militant associates affiliated with the LeT have entered Maidanpora area of Lolab to carry out terrorist-related activities, a joint cordon and search operation was launched in the area, police said.

During the course of the operation, a vehicle load carrier bearing registration number JK 09A-2324 was signalled by security forces to stop at iron bridge Maidanpora.

“Sensing security forces presence, the vehicle was abruptly stopped short of the stop and two persons jumped out of it,” police said.

They have been identified as Shamim Ahmad Khan and Talib Ahmad Sheikh of Kupwara.

Security forces immediately nabbed Khan carrying a bag containing ten hand grenades, while Sheikh jumped in the fields and fled away.

“After hectic chase and search of the area, Sheikh was apprehended from a shop located at Badi Bhera Lolab,” police said.

During the search, four pistols, eight pistol magazines and 140 live rounds of the pistol were recovered, police said.

A case under relevant Sections of law has been registered at Police Station Lalpora and investigation under way to unearth the terror module involved in the case.