Jammu & Kashmir: Security Forces Bust Terror Module In Bandipora, Arms And Ammunitions Recovered

Security forces busted a terror module in North Kashmir’s Bandipora and foiled the nefarious designs of Pak-based terror handlers in reviving the terror operations in the district.

Jammu & Kashmir police, in a joint operation with the 26 Assam Rifles and the CRPF, busted a terror module in North Kashmir’s Bandipora and foiled the nefarious designs of Pak-based terror handlers in reviving the terror operations in the district. Based on specific input received by J&K police about the movement of a hybrid terrorist, a checkpoint was established on August 25 in the Dardgund area, under the jurisdiction of PS Pethkoot.

A suspicious person tried to flee after noticing the security forces at the checkpoint. He was apprehended tactfully. One pistol, one pistol magazine, and eight rounds, along with other incriminating material, were recovered from his possession.

During questioning, the accused, identified as Shafayat Zubair Rishi of Nesbal Sumbal, disclosed that he was on his way to collect a cache of arms and ammunition from a lady identified as Munira Begum, wife of killed terrorist and area commander Yousuf Choupan, in the Pazalpora area. Begum was also arrested.

The accused was in touch with Pakistan-based terror handler Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, who was exfiltrated to Pakistan in 1999 and was working on the revival of terrorists in the district.

He was also involved in the 2000 Kothibagh IED blast, in which 14 people, including 12 police personnel, lost their lives. He remained associated with the proscribed terror outfit HM and later with the terror outfit Al-Badr. Shafayat Zubair Rishi was also involved in burning an Army vehicle in Sumbal in 2009 and is out on bail in the said case.

Furthermore, based on the revelations made by Munira Begum, a cache of arms and ammunition, including one Krinkov AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 90 rounds, and one pen pistol that was to be delivered to Shafait Reshi, was recovered from the nearby forest area. During questioning, it was also revealed that Munira had also gone to Pakistan twice.

Moreover, Shafayat Rishi also admitted that he was about to receive 47 lakhs for the revival of terrorists. The money was to be handed over to someone as per the requirements and directions of his across handler, Mushtaq Ah Mir.

A case under relevant sections of the law has been registered, and further investigation is underway.