Police arrest three Lashkar associates in Budgam

SRINAGAR — Police on Friday said that three militant associates linked with the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were arrested in central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

The three have been identified by police as Muzamil Ahmad and Ishfaq Pandit, both residents of Aglar Pattan in Baramulla district, and Muneer Ahmad of Meeripora Beerwah Budgam.

Police said the arrests were made in the Kawoosa Narbal area of Magam.

Police said arms and ammunition, including a pistol and a hand grenade, were recovered from their possession.

A case has been registered at Police Station Magam under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and further investigation has been taken up.

Police said during the investigation, it surfaced that the arrested individuals were in close contact with active militant Aabid Qayoom Lone, of Wussan Pattan, who had exfiltrated to Pakistan in 2020 and subsequently joined the LeT outfit.

“The said terrorist/handler is currently operating from Pakistan and is involved in radicalising local youth, motivating them to join terrorist ranks, and directing them to carry out terror-related activities in the Narbal–Magam area of district Budgam,” police said.

It added, “The arrested associates were acting on his directions and were tasked with executing terror activities in the area, as well as attempting to radicalise and lure other youth into terrorism.”