Militant attack probe takes dramatic turn with detention of local Imam

JAMMU — The investigation into the Poonch militant attack has witnessed a significant development as the Special Operation Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police detained a local religious head (Moulvi) from the Bathindi area of Jammu. Meanwhile, PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti has alleged harassment and torture of the people of Poonch and Rajouri districts following the attack.

The detained Moulvi, identified as Manzoor, a resident of Poonch district, is said to have connections with the militants involved in the recent attack. The security forces, remaining tight-lipped about the incident, have expanded the scope of their investigation, delving into the Moulvi’s alleged links with militants across the border.

This development comes a day after DGP Dilbagh Singh announced the uncovering of the militant plot and the arrest of six locals involved in sheltering the militants. Singh stated that the explosives and weapons used in the attack were smuggled from Pakistan via drones. The investigation, which has already questioned over 200 individuals, is ongoing as authorities work to neutralize the militants responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti addressed a press conference, demanding an in-depth probe into the attack. She raised concerns about the incident occurring in a highly-secured area with a significant troop presence, urging the truth to be revealed without subjecting the people of Rajouri and Poonch to harassment.

Mehbooba alleged that since the attack, authorities have been oppressing the common people in these districts, citing instances of harassment, questioning, and torture. She highlighted the case of Mukhtar Shah, who allegedly committed suicide while in custody for questioning, and called for an investigation into his death. The PDP leader also expressed concern over the treatment of Abdul Rashid Dar and other individuals during the process of taking them to hideouts.

Accusing the authorities of an arrest spree ahead of the G-20 meeting to be held in Srinagar, Mehbooba questioned the reason behind the arrest of local youth. She described the situation in Jammu and Kashmir as worse than Guantanamo Bay and emphasized the peaceful nature of the people in Rajouri and Poonch.

As the investigation takes a dramatic turn with the detention of the local Imam and the PDP chief’s allegations of harassment, concerns mount in the aftermath of the Poonch attack.