Joint security forces in North Kashmir’s Bandipora busted a terror module and foiled the nefarious designs of Pakistan-based terror handlers in reviving militancy in the district.
The security forces established a checkpoint in the Dardgund area on Friday based on specific information generated by the J&K Police about the movement of a hybrid terrorist. A suspicious person was apprehended at the checkpoint as he tried to flee.
One pistol, a pistol magazine, eight rounds, and other incriminating material were recovered from the possession of Shafayat Zubair Rishi of Nesbal Sumbal. During questioning, the accused disclosed that he was on his way to collect a cache of arms and ammunition from Munira Begum, the wife of slain terrorist and area commander Yousuf Choupan, in Pazalpora area.
The accused was in touch with Pakistan-based terror handler Mushtaq Ahmad Mir who had exfiltrated to the neighboring country in 1999 and was working on reviving terrorists in the district. He was also involved in the 2000 Kothibagh IED blast in which 14 people, including 12 police personnel, were killed. He had remained associated with the Hizbul Mujahideen and later with the Al-Badr terror outfit. Shafayat was also involved in burning an Army vehicle in Sumbal in 2009 and was out on bail in the said case.
On the disclosure of Munira Begum, a cache of arms and ammunition, including one Krinkov AK-47 rifle, three magazines, 90 rounds, and one pen pistol that was to be delivered to Shafait Rishi, was recovered from the nearby forest area. During questioning, it was also revealed that Munira had also gone to Pakistan twice.
Shafayat also admitted that he was about to receive Rs 47 lakhs for the revival of terrorists. Later, this money was to be handed over to someone as per the requirement and directions of his across handler Mushtaq Ah Mir.
The security forces have stepped up their operations against terrorists in Kashmir in recent months. This is a major success in their efforts to thwart the attempts of Pakistan-based terror groups to revive militancy in the valley.
