J&K: Hizbul Mujahideen Module Busted in Ganderbal, 3 Associates Arrested, Grenades Recovered

Police say that the terror module was working on the directions of a Pakistan based commander, who was directing them through social media.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police has busted a Hizbul Mujahideen module in Ganderbal and arrested three young recruits who were lured through social media. Police have recovered arms and ammunition from the arrested trio,who were planning a big terror strike in the district. Police say that the terror module was working on the directions of a Pakistan based commander, who was directing them through social media. Ironically, Ganderbal is the only district in Kashmir Valley, where 4G internet has been restored. According to police, the three youths were lured by a Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Fayaz Khan, a resident of Gutlibagh area of Ganderbal through social media, and were in constant touch with this pakistan based militant commander. The module was instructed by their Pak handler to join militancy and undertake attacks on security forces in the area. The arrested youth have been identified as Arshid Ahmad Khan, Majid Rasool and Mohd Asif Najar, all residents of Ganderbal were handed over arms and ammunition by the local contacts for a terror activity. But, before the trio could strike, tactical units of J&K police and cyber cell tracked the activities and an operation was launched during the intervening night of 14/15 September, leading to the arrest of three local youth. During sustained questioning, the trio disclosed to police the location of their arms and subsequently 3 Hand grenades, electronic devices and other incriminating materials were recovered. Police have registered a case under FIR no. 199 of 2020 under sections 13,18 UAPA 1967 against them. SSP Ganderbal Khalil Ahmad Poswal, said that the busting of the module has once again proven that gullible youth of valley are being pushed to terrorism by operatives across the border through various social media platforms. Police have appealed to families and parents to remain aware about activities of their children through social media, while police have already taken measures to identify and counsel such vulnerable youth. The Army too has started counselling for the misguided youth who are joining militancy. Srinagar based 15th Corps has managed to successfully bring back a 21 year old youth from Pulwama who had joined militant outfit, with the help of his family. Srinagar based chinar Corp tweeted: "A 21-year-old student, who had reportedly gone missing from Charsoo, Pulwama on 29 Aug 2020 was tracked jointly by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice through Contact Tracing. The individual was counseled & motivated, resulting in his surrender on 13 Sep 2020."