Two hybrid terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were arrested during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched at Baskuchan area in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, said police on Thursday. The security forces also recovered arms and ammunition from their possession during the operation.
Terrorists were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the 178 Battalion of CRPF at Baskuchan in Imam Sahib area of Shopian. The police said that the team in the area was cordoned off, and movement of terrorists was noticed in a nearby orchard.
"In a major operational success, a CASO was launched at Baskuchan by SOG Shopian in coordination with 44 RR and 178 Bn CRPF following specific input. The area was effectively cordoned, and movement of terrorists was observed in a nearby orchard. Swift and strategic action by the forces led to the successful surrender of two LeT hybrid terrorists—Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam—averting a potential encounter," the police said.
Significant recoveries include:
- 02 AK-56 rifles
- 04 magazines
- 102 rounds (7.62×39mm)
- 02 hand grenades
- 02 pouches
- Rs 5400 in cash
- 01 mobile phone
- 01 smartwatch
- 02 biscuit packets
- 01 Aadhaar card
FIR has been registered under relevant sections, and an investigation is underway.
Terrorist associates were arrested in a joint operation
Earlier on ay 19, two terrorist associates were arrested in a joint operation by the Indian Army's 34RR SOG Shopian and CRPF 178 Bn in DK Pora area of Shopian. Two pistols, four grenades, 43 live rounds, and other incriminating materials were also recovered. Giving details, Shopian Police said an FIR has been registered and further investigation is underway.
Shopian Police said this successful operation underscores the heightened vigilance, seamless coordination, and operational effectiveness of the security forces. It is believed that the timely interception may have averted a major security incident in the region, it said.
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