Pattan: Security forces have arrested
five Hizbul Mujahideen militants involved in a series of
grenade attacks on security forces and recruiting school boys
for militant activities in Pattan area in Baramulla district
of North Kashmir.
The militants were arrested during an investigation into
gunshots heard in Pattan area of Baramulla, 35 kms from
Srinagar, during late evenings over the past several weeks.
"While questioning some old overground workers, we came to
know that these militants were training school-going boys in
handling arms and motivating them to work for their outfit,"
DIG North Kashmir Muneer Khan told reporters here.
He said ambushes were laid in the area with the help of
Army and the militants were arrested.
The arrested ultras were identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat
alias Moulvi, Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Zahoor Ahmad Ganaie,
Mehrajuddin Ganaie (all residents of Pattan) and Mudassir
Ahmad Shiekh of Tangmarg.
Khan said the busted module of militants was created by
Hizb commander Maqsood Ahmad alias Tariq, who is presently
lodged in jail.
"It was an attempt to revive Hizbul Mujahideen in Pattan
area. The module was started by recycled and detained
militants operating from jail," he said.
The DIG said the militants were involved in a grenade
attack on an Army convoy in Pattan town in September last
year, killing three jawans and injuring five others.
They were also involved in a grenade attack on CRPF
personnel at Magam, on Srinagar-Gulmarg road, on July 11, 2009
in which a jawan and six civilians were injured, he said.
"They also made a failed bid to kill Chairman of Municipal
Committee Kunzar Abdul Karim Dar last year in June," he said.
Khan said the group was also involved in intimidating
people against taking part in the ongoing Panchayat elections
by pasting anti-poll posters.
PTI
