Major terror module busted in Kathua

Jammu, Aug 12: jammu Kashmir Police (JKP), in a significant breakthrough, stated to have busted a terror module, behind the recent infiltration that resulted in increased terrorist activities in upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur and Kathua, with the arrest of nine “enemy agents”, including their kingpin.

The module was busted, subsequent to successful operation in Gandoh resulting in the killing of three foreign terrorists and on the basis of intelligence leads provided by central agencies, followed by investigation by police.

The kingpin of the module has been identified to be Muhammad Lateef alias Haji Lateef. “Muhammad Lateef, eight other members of the module have been taken into custody as enemy agents,” police said.

“Muhammad Lateef, son of late Meer resident of Ambe Naal, tehsil and district Kathua, is the kingpin in the whole network of Over Ground Workers (OGWs) in the area. He acted as guide and provided logistics, etc for the groups of terrorists passing through the area. He engaged and directed others in their role as guide or food provider in the area,” a police spokesperson said.

Other arrested members of terror module included Akhter Ali, son of late Rashid, resident of Ambe Naal, tehsil and district Kathua; Saddam and Kushal, both sons of late Baza, resident of Bhaddu Billawar, district Kathua; Noorani, son of late Meer, resident of Juthana, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rajbagh, district Kathua; Maqbool, son of Muhammad Lateef, resident of Soffain, district Kathua; Liaquat, son of Haji Lateef and Kasim Din, son of Shahin Din and Khadim alias Qazi, son of Baza, resident of Kattal, in Bhaddu-Billawar.

Police spokesperson said that the kingpins of the module in active collusion with terrorist handlers across the border, played crucial role in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal and surreptitious entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector.

The module besides providing initial shelter, food and other minor logistics was also responsible for guiding them to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around Kailash mountain, which is at the centre of tri-junction of these three districts.

“The members of module have confirmed that the three terrorists killed at Gandoh encounter had taken the help of the module in hiding and travelling without being detected till they reached the upper reaches,” spokesperson said.

“While more than 50 persons, living in temporary Dhoks (summer kutcha huts) in the upper reaches and mountains for purposes of grazing of livestock, have been investigated for coming in contact with the foreign terrorists for either providing food, shelter or communication help, only a few did not report to the police. Some have accepted money from the terrorists. Those who have reported to the police in time are being treated as innocent,” the spokesperson said.

“The liability of others, however, is being examined including prior connection with terrorists and their handlers across,” he said.

“Members of the general public therefore are requested to inform the police about any contact with terrorists as soon as possible after the terrorists have left. Failure to report besides being a criminal offence is likely to adversely affect the person's access to government benefits,” the spokesperson said.