Three militants arrested in separate operations in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: Three militants, including a 17-year-old who had joined Lashkar-e-Toiba ( LeT) along with a 'deserter' cop, were arrested by security forces in separate operations in the Kashmir valley since last night.

Two Harkatul Mujahideen militants were arrested by security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district, a police official said.

He said Ishfaq Ahmad Sofi alias Umar and Aijaz Ahmad Gojri alias Chota Karimullah were arrested during an operation in the orchards at Sangrama area of the district.

One pistol and one hand grenade were recovered from the possession of the arrested militants, he added.

In another operation, Aquib Bashir, who had joined LeT along with a 'deserter' policeman and two others on January 15, was arrested from Khuadpora area of Shopian last night following a tip off, official said.

He said one AK rifle, one magazine and 30 rounds were recovered from the possession of the arrested teenager.

The arrest comes a day after Gazi Fayaz Ahmad Dar, another youth who had joined LeT along with the cop, was arrested from his house in Shopian.

An AK assault rifle with a magazine and 90 rounds of ammunition were recovered from Dar's possession.

Aquib and Dar were among four youth including a policeman who reportedly joined LeT group together on January 15 after the cop deserted the force and ran away with four AK assault rifles and some ammunition.

The cop, Constable Shakoor Ahmad Parrey who was posted as Personal Security Officer (PSO) of Sub-Divisional Police Officer Bijbehara, and another youth are still absconding and efforts are on to nab them, the official said.