KD NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Aug 12: The Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested five terrorist associates involved in the killing of soldiers and other militancy-related activities in the Kathua-Bani-Kishtwar belt on Monday.
An official told Kashmir Despatch that following a successful operation in Gandoh that resulted in the killing of three foreign terrorists, the police, with the help of intelligence leads provided by central agencies, have uncovered a module that played a crucial role in the recent increase of terrorist activities and movements in the upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua districts.
He said the kingpins of this module were in active collusion with terrorist handlers across the border. They played a vital role in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector. The module not only provided initial shelter, food, and other logistical support but also guided the terrorists to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around the Kailash mountain, which is at the center of the tri-junction of these three districts.
He said that the members of the module have confirmed that the three terrorists killed in the Gandoh encounter had taken their help in hiding and traveling without being detected until they reached the upper reaches.
The official identified the kingpin of this module as Mohammad Lateef, alias Haji Lateef, a resident of Ambe Naal in Kathua district. In addition to Mohammad Lateef, eight other members of the module have been taken into custody as enemy agents. These include Akhter Ali, Saddam, Kushal, Noorani, Maqbool, Liaquat, Kasim Din, and Khadim.
He said that the investigation has also revealed that more than 50 people living in temporary dhokes (summer huts) in the upper reaches and mountains for the purpose of livestock grazing have been questioned for their potential contact with the foreign terrorists, either for providing food, shelter, or communication assistance. While some of them have accepted receiving money from the terrorists, those who have reported to the police in a timely manner are being treated as innocent. However, the liability of the others, including their prior connections with terrorists and their handlers across the border, is still being examined the official said.
The official further added that the J&K Police have emphasized the importance of the general public informing the police about any contact with terrorists as soon as possible after the terrorists have left. Failure to report such incidents, besides being a criminal offense, may also adversely affect a person’s access to government benefits.
Pertinently, Kathua in Jammu region witnessed a deadly ambush by terrorists on an army patrol in a remote forest belt of Machedi on July 8, resulting in the killing of five soldiers, including a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO).
The ambush in Kathua was followed by another attack by a separate group of terrorists in Desa forest in Doda district on July 15, resulting in the killing of four army personnel including a captain.
Earlier on June 9, nine passengers, including seven pilgrims returning from Shiv Khori temple, were killed by terrorists in Reasi district. The terrorists involved in the attack are also at large and are on the run despite a cash reward on their heads.
