Kupwara, Jan 27 : Security forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara claimed to have arrested five terror associates besides recovered arms and ammunition.
A senior police officer said that a police, aided by the 09PARA Field Regiment, has successfully busted a cross-border terror module involved in smuggling arms and ammunition.
The official said that acting on credible information, which was further corroborated by other agencies, the police arrested five terror associates in Karnah and seized a significant amount of weapons.
The module was found to be working under the guidance of two terrorist handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK).
These handlers, identified as Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal, had been in contact with Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, the main operative who was apprehended during the operation.
He said from Bhat, the police recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK rifle, pistol, and ammunition.
Based on further leads, four more terror associates were arrested, namely Khursheed Ahmad Rather, Mudassir Shafiq, Ghulam Sarwar Rather, and Qazi Fazal Illahi. Additional weapons, including five short AK rifles, magazines, and ammunition, were seized from them.
The investigation into the case is now underway to unravel the full extent of the conspiracy and the smuggling network involved. The police are determined to uncover any additional contraband or proscribed materials that may have been smuggled across the border.
This successful operation highlights the dedication and tireless efforts of the Kupwara Police, along with the cooperation of other agencies and the local community.(KS)
