Four more suspects linked to civilian killings held in J&K

Srinagar | New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Wednesday arrested four more suspects linked to the recent killings of civilians and non-locals across the Kashmir valley after searches in 11 locations in five districts.

The accused were identified as Suhail Ahmad Thokar, Kamran Ashraf Reshi, Rayid Bashir and Hanan Gulzar Dar. All, except Thokar, are residents of Srinagar. Searches were also conducted at residences of Rashid Bhat, Fahad Ali Wani and Furkan Imran Akhan in Srinagar.

The NIA case registered on October 10 after the spate of killings alleged criminal conspiracy for violent terrorist acts in J&K and other major cities by cadres of Laskhar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Al Badr and similar outfits and their affiliates including the Resistance Front and People Against Fascist Forces.


"Preliminary investigation has revealed that the four accused persons arrested today are terror associates, overground workers of various proscribed terrorist organisations and have been providing logistical and material support to terrorists. Searches led to seizure of electronic devices and incriminating jihadi documents," NIA said in a statement. It has sought custody of the accused for interrogation.

Raids were conducted in Baramulla, Sopore, Srinagar, Pulwama and Kulgam districts. Police claim that they were working hard to prevent more targeted attacks in the Valley. Non-locals have been provided security at shelter camps across the valley. Earlier in the month, NIA had arrested nine people from Kashmir for alleged involvement in conspiracies. It also seized electronic gadgets and other documents from them.