Kupwara: Police on Thursday said that three youth who recently joined militant ranks in Kupwara were arrested along with arms and ammunition.
Police said that a cordon and search operation (CASO) was launched Wednesday night in forested area of Gungbugh of Lolab in Kupwara. The militants hidden in the area started firing on the search party comparing police, army and CRPF.
“Repeated announcements were made to persuade them to surrender and after a brief shootout all the three were apprehended alive during the operation. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession,” police spokesperson said.
The trio were identified as Aabid Hussain Wani son of Gulzar Ahmad resident of Lalpora, Zakir Rafiq Bhat son of Abdul Rashid resident of Lalpora and Javid Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Thayan Kalaroos. Police said that their pictures with rifles went viral on social media sites. Three AK-47 rifles and five magazine and other ammunition was been recovered from their possession.
A case has been registered against the trio under relevant act and further investigation is on.
Police said they were in touch with militant handlers across Pakistan administered Kashmir through social media.
“However, the swift intervention of police and security forces not only led to their prompt tracing but also in saving the precious lives of these misguided youths,” it said.

Mushtaq Ahamd