The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — In a major breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested a militant associate during a Naka checking at Karimabad crossing, where the suspect was intercepted, in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district.

The arrested individual has been identified as Arsalan Ahmad Sheikh son of Mushtaq Ahmad Sheikh, resident of Karimabad village.

During the search, a hand grenade was recovered from the possession of the suspect, as per the police statement.

Investigations, police said, revealed that the accused had planned to lob the grenade at the Naka party, posing a serious threat to security forces and public safety. The timely action by the Pulwama Police thwarted the attack, preventing any potential loss of life or injury.

Accordingly, a case has been registered under FIR No. 182/2024, under Sections 4/5 Explosives Act and Sections 18, 23 of UAPA Act in Police Station Pulwama.

The investigation has been set into motion to uncover further details and possible links to other militant activities in the area.

SRINAGAR — A minor among six suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) were arrested along with arms and ammunition in southern Kashmir's Qazigund area, police said on Wednesday.

The news agency CNS reported the police as having said that on a specific input, a joint team of 9 RR, J&K Police and 46 Bn CRPF arrested six suspected OGWs during Naka checking in Qazigund.

The arrested OGWs were identified as Suhaib Khursheed Bhat (aged 18 years) son of Khursheed Ahmad Bhat and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Zahid Ahmad Dar (aged 18 years) son of Abdul Hamid Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Naveed Ahmad Sofi (aged 21 years) son of Naseer Ahmad Sofi and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam; Bilal Ahmed Dar (aged 20 years) son of Ghulam Nabi Dar and a resident of Hawoorah Qaimoh, Kulgam; Fasil Ahmad Dar (aged 21 years) son of Fayaz Ahmad Dar and a resident of Khudwani, Kulgam and Mohid Ali Bhat (aged 16 years) son of Ali Mohammad Bhat and a resident of Qaimoh, Kulgam.

"They have been handed over to JIC Amnoo for further questioning," police said in its statement.

The arms and ammunition recovered from the arrested individuals included a pistol, two pistol magazines, 28 pistol rounds, three hand grenades and 35 AK-47 rounds.

In this regard, an FIR has been lodged at Police Station Qazigund vide FIR number 209/2024 under Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of ULAP and 7/25 of the Arms Act.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday attached the property of an overground worker (OGW) of Hizbul Mujahideen in the case of the targeted killing of a Sarpanch in Kulgam district.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, a spokesperson said that the residential house of Nasir Rashid Bhat located in Tengpora village of Shopian has been attached under Section 33 (1) of UA(P) Act, 1947, on orders of the NIA Special Judge, Jammu.

The statement reads that the accused, along with other members of the banned HM organisation, was involved in the killing of a Sarpanch on March 11, 2022 with the aim of spreading fear among the people.

“Investigations by NIA, which took over the case from Kulgam Police, revealed that the targeted killing was part of a larger HM conspiracy to disturb India’s integrity, sovereignty and security through violent attacks and killings,” it reads.

It added the NIA further found that Bhat had provided his Alto car to the militants and was also involved in conducting a recce of the Sarpanch’s house and in informing the Hizb militants about the target’s presence.

“He used his car to take the assailants to the area around the Sarpanch’s house on the day of the attack. NIA has chargesheeted six accused in the case and the trial against them is continuing,” it added.

KATHUA — In a major breakthrough in counter-militancy efforts, Kathua Police at Police Station Malhar have arrested two over-ground workers (OGWs) for allegedly supporting militancy-related activities.

As per a police spokesman, "These individuals, identified as Layaqat Ali alias Pawu and Mool Raj alias Jenju, deliberately withheld crucial information from the police, obstructing efforts to prevent terrorist actions."

It said, "Over 100 individuals have been questioned in connection with this case. Preventive measures have been taken against more than 40 individuals to mitigate further risks and disrupt any potential support systems for terrorist activities."

Police urged the public to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or by dialling 100 or 9858034100.