Two terrorists behind multiple grenade attacks held in Poonch

In a joint operation led by the Army and J&K Police in Jammu division, two hardened terrorists of the Jammu and Kashmir Gaznavi Force (JKGF) were arrested on Saturday along with explosives. They were involved in grenade attacks on religious sites and arms smuggling.

Defense spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal said the operation, carried out on October 18, resulted in the capture of two terrorists, Abdul Aziz and Manwar Hussain. “Security forces also recovered weapons, ammunition and grenades from the suspects, disrupting their operational capabilities. This operation marks a crucial step in dismantling terror networks, as both individuals were involved in orchestrating terror activities, including grenade attacks on religious sites and hospitals, terror financing, anti-national propaganda, and arms smuggling,” Lt Col Bartwal said.

As per the information, the operation was launched by the police, 37 Rashtriya Rifles and 38th Battalion of CRPF after which Abdul Aziz was arrested and two hand grenades were recovered from his possession. During investigation, one more grenade was recovered from his house and his accomplice Manawar Hussain was also arrested along with a pistol, one magazine and nine bullets.

Bartwal said the recent arrests have weakened the logistical and operational networks of terror groups in the region, signalling a strong setback to their efforts. “The Army’s swift and coordinated response, in collaboration with the J&K Police, has not only ensured the safety of civilians but has also dealt a decisive blow to the terror ecosystem in the area. This success follows last month’s arrest of another associate, underscoring the relentless efforts of the Army and security forces to ensure peace and stability in the region,” he said.

The arrests come amid heightened alert over Pakistani terrorists hiding in forest areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts. Being along the Line of Control (LoC), both districts have remained on the target of the ultras for the past some time.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Anand Jain said, “The busting of the JKGF module is a very big achievement for all security agencies,” he said, adding that the terrorists are being questioned.

The terrorists had received Rs 1.5 lakh besides four consignments of arms and ammunition from Pakistan through LoC in the past, he added.

The ADGP said five cases of grenade blasts since November last year have been solved with their arrest.

According to police, Aziz was involved in throwing grenades at the Shiv temple in Surankote on November 15 last year; Gurdwara Mahant Sahib in Poonch on March 26; Army sentry post in Kamsar, Poonch in June; and a school ground near CRPF sentry post on August 14. Hussain had lobbed a grenade near district hospital quarters on July 18, police said.

The two terrorists also pasted anti-national posters at different locations in Surankote, including government high school in Hari, Dhundak, Sanai, Eidgah-Hari and other adjoining areas. These posters were printed at Hussain’s house and pasted in August last year on the directions of their handler to create fear among the public, police said.

On September 12, another member of this module, Mohd Shabir, a resident of Daryala, was arrested with a large quantity of explosives. Aziz had supplied the explosives to him, they said.

ADGP Jain said the operations against terrorists, including foreign mercenaries, will continue. “We are also working to destroy the support base of the terrorists and will ensure attachment of properties of the upper ground workers,” he said.