Police allege former militant was operating in “hybrid” mode in Handwara–Kupwara area; investigation into wider network underway
Handwara : Handwara Police on Wednesday said they had arrested a former militant allegedly operating in what security agencies describe as a “hybrid” mode for the banned Hizbul Mujahideen in the Handwara–Kupwara area. The arrest was made during a joint operation by Handwara Police, the Army’s 21 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF’s 92 Battalion at a location in Handwara town, according to a police statement. Police identified the arrested man as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura in Handwara.
According to police, a Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession during the operation. Police alleged that Bhat, whom they described as a former militant, had been operating as part of a Hizbul Mujahideen module in the Handwara–Kupwara area. The term “hybrid terrorist” is used by security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir for individuals who are allegedly involved in militant activity while continuing to maintain an ostensibly civilian profile. In this case, however, the nature and extent of Bhat’s alleged role remain under investigation.
Police further said Bhat had previously been arrested in two cases. Details of those cases, including their present legal status, were not provided in the statement. A fresh case, FIR No. 232, has been registered at Police Station Handwara under relevant provisions of law, police said. Investigators are now examining whether other individuals were connected with the alleged module and are seeking to establish the wider network and activities associated with it.
