Baramulla: Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested an active Hizbul Mujahideen militant from Tapper Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla the district.
“The Baramulla police received information from reliable sources regarding the movement of Junaid Farooq Pandith, a resident of Hamray Pattan, who is an active militant of Hizbul Mujahidin,” said Deputy Inspector General (DIG) North, Suleman Chowdary, who was flanked by SSP Baramulla and some Army officials.
He added that on receiving the information, the police along with 29 Rashtriya Rifles and 176 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel established a checkpoint at Tapper crossing.
During the checking at the spot, one person coming from Kreeri, tried to escape but was chased by the police and apprehended, he informed.
He identified that asserted militant as Junaid Farooq Pandith alias Abu Talha. Junaid, he said had joined militancy in June 2019 and a photograph of him wielding a gun had gone viral on June 10, 2019, on social media.
A case under the relevant sections of the law has been registered with police station Pattan.
During the search, one Chinese pistol, two magazines and 13 live rounds were recovered from his possession, police said.
DIG also informed that 19 local militants are active in the north Kashmir’s Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara districts.
He said the number of militants has increased in the northern region of Kashmir with more and more locals getting involved and the number has reached 19.
Meanwhile, Police in Sopore arrested a militant associate linked to LeT.
He has been identified as Muzamil Ahmad War resident of Warpora Sopore.
As per police records he was involved in assisting the active militants of LeT operating in the areas of Sopore.
As per the investigations, he was providing logistic support and shelter to the LeT militants operating in the areas of Sopore.
Incriminating materials have been recovered from his possession, police said.
Case under relevant sections of law stands registered against him. Further investigation into the matter is in progress, police said.
