Shopian: Three youth were arrested and arms and ammunition was recovered from their possession in an operation by government forces on Friday at Heff village of south Kashmir’s Shopian.
The youth who were arrested were identified by police as Shahid Ahmad Bhat, Zahoor Ahmad Padder and Bilal Ahmad Teli, all residents of Heff Shopian.
Sources said that a joint team of government forces including army, CRPF and police launched a cordon and search operation in the village. They said that on suspicion three youth were questioned by the forces and they later informed them about arms and ammunition hidden in the village.
Police sources said that around Friday noon a joint team of forces launched raids and Heff village and apprehended three youth. They said that arms and ammunition was recovered from their possession.
Meanwhile, an associate of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was arrested from Budgam district, police said.
Acting on a tip-off, a checkpoint was established at Khan Sahib in the central Kashmir district. A vehicle was intercepted and Saqib Ahmad Lone, a resident of Wager village in the area, was arrested and incriminating material was recovered from his possession, according to a police spokesperson.
As per police records, Lone is involved in assisting the active militants of JeM operating in the areas of Khan Sahib, the spokesperson said.
Lone is also involved in providing logistic support and shelter to JeM militants operating in the area, the spokesman added.
A case has been registered under relevant sections and an investigation is on. Incriminating materials recovered from his possession have been taken into record to probe his complicity in terror crimes, the official added.

Reader correspondent