Baramulla: Security forces have arrested three suspects, including a “former terrorist”, in connection with a grenade attack on an Army camp in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Police said that the incident occurred on the evening of January 7, when a grenade was hurled at the 163 Territorial Army premises in Hamray Pattan, causing damage to the structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Upon receiving information about the attack, an FIR was registered at Police Station Pattan, and an investigation was launched immediately.
Superintendent of Police, Operations (SP Ops) Feroz Yehya, addressing a press conference on Saturday, stated that “through an in-depth analysis of electronic and technical evidence, coupled with human intelligence and relentless efforts by multiple investigative teams, three perpetrators were apprehended within 24 hours of the incident.”
He said police recovered a hand grenade, an AK series rifle, a pistol, 256 live AK rounds, and 21 live pistol rounds based on information provided by the arrested individuals.
While the SP refrained from disclosing the names of those arrested to avoid compromising ongoing investigations, he revealed that one of the suspects is a “released terrorist”.
“Another suspect is the son of a surrendered or released terrorist. The third individual, who appears to be the mastermind, had been evading arrest in a narco-terror case for the past two years,” Yehya added.
The SP expressed concern over the involvement of “surrendered or released terrorists” and their family members in terror-related activities, stating that such actions challenge the reintegration efforts aimed at bringing former terrorists back into the mainstream.
“The disturbing involvement of surrendered or released terrorists in such acts contradicts their requests for leniency and undermines trust-building measures,” Yehya said.
He also issued a strong warning to “surrendered militants” against engaging in anti-national activities, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
“The successful operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our intelligence and investigative network,” Yehya said. “We urge the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities to ensure the safety and security of the region.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials hinted that more arrests are likely as they continue to probe the network involved in the grenade attack. Security forces have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the region, with a renewed focus on preventing former militants from reverting to violence.
