KUPWARA — In a significant breakthrough, security forces in north Kashmir’s Kupwara have successfully dismantled a cross-border militancy module, resulting in the arrest of five militant associates and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.
A senior police officer revealed that a joint operation conducted by the local police, supported by the 09PARA Field Regiment, led to the apprehension of the militant associates in Karnah. The operation targeted a network involved in smuggling arms and ammunition, with credible information guiding the forces.
Acting on the intelligence, corroborated by multiple agencies, the police arrested the main operative, Zahoor Ahmad Bhat, during the operation. Bhat was in contact with two militant handlers based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), identified as Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal.
From Bhat, the police recovered a significant cache of weapons, including an AK rifle, pistol, and ammunition. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of four more militant associates – Khursheed Ahmad Rather, Mudassir Shafiq, Ghulam Sarwar Rather, and Qazi Fazal Illahi – and the seizure of additional weapons, including five short AK rifles, magazines, and ammunition.
The arrested individuals are believed to be part of a broader conspiracy, operating under the guidance of the PoK-based handlers. The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and the smuggling network involved.
