Jammu and Kashmir Police Arrest LeT Terrorist and Associates, Recover Arms Cache

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Jammu and Kashmir police have reported the arrest of an active Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) terrorist and five terror associates, including two women and a juvenile. The arrests were made during an operation in Baramulla, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including grenades and pistols.

Speaking at a press conference in Baramulla, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Amog Nagpure stated that the arrests and the arms recovery followed the initial detention of two suspects in Uri on September [Date]. The detained individuals led authorities to the wider network of terror associates.

According to SSP Nagpure, on September 21, police received information that Yaseen Ahmad Shah, a resident of Janbazpora Baramulla, had gone missing from his home and had joined the proscribed terror outfit LeT/ TRF. Subsequently, a joint team comprising Baramulla Police, Army, and CAPF apprehended Shah during MVCP checking at Tapper Pattan on September 22. During this arrest, one pistol, one pistol magazine, and eight live rounds were recovered from his possession.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Parvaiz Ahmad Shah, an associate of Yaseen Ahmad Shah, with the recovery of two hand grenades from his residence. On September 23, during the continued interrogation of Yaseen Ahmad Shah, another pistol, one pistol magazine, and eight live rounds were discovered at his residence in Janbazpora.

Following these developments, the names of additional associates, Nigeena, and Aafreena, were disclosed by the detainees. Two hand grenades were recovered from their possession on September 25. The arrests continued as the investigation revealed the names of two more associates, Mudasir Ahmad Rather and Showkat Ahmad Malik, with the recovery of a Chinese grenade, a pistol, a pistol magazine, and eight live rounds from their possession.

The investigation has unveiled that these individuals, including the LeT terrorist, were operating under the directives of Pakistan-based handlers and were planning to recruit more terrorists and carry out terrorist activities in Baramulla and neighboring areas.

Additionally, on September 14, police conducted a joint naka checking operation at Paranpeelan Bridge Uri, leading to the apprehension of two suspects attempting to flee. These suspects were found in possession of two Glock Pistols, four Pistol Magazines, two Pistol Silencers, five Chinese grenades, and 29 live Pistol rounds. They were identified as Zaid Hassan Malla and Muhammad Arif Channa, who were involved in cross-border smuggling of arms and ammunition.

These arrests highlight the ongoing efforts of security forces to counteract terrorism and arms smuggling activities in the region. The involvement of females and juveniles in terror networks remains a challenge, and authorities are determined to address these threats and maintain peace and security in the area.