3 JeM militants arrested

SRINAGAR: Achieving a major success, the security forces on Sunday arrested three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists from the outskirts of the city.

Based on a credible input, the security forces intercepted a vehicle on Srinagar-Baramulla road and arrested three persons travelling in it, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said.

The trio—all residents of Pulwama-- traveling in an Alto car bearing registration number JK13C-4328 was arrested by Army and Police near Narbal Crossing.

Ammunition, including live rounds, was seized from them and a major tragedy was averted, officials sources informed.

They were identified as Shahid Ahmad Bhat, Ishfaq Ahmad Lone- both residents of Lelhar area of Pulwama, and Reyees Ahmad Huraa of Gulbagh in Pulwama.

"Three car-borne terrorists affiliated with proscribed terror outfit JeM (were) arrested by police and security forces at Lawaypora (on Srinagar-Baramulla road) (based) on a credible input today," a police spokesperson said.

The three terrorists were questioned by Army’s 2 RR unit and later handed over to police station Parimpora for further investigations, a police officer informed.

It may also be mentioned here that around two months ago, three residents of Pulwama working as Over Ground Workers (OGWs) for militant organistaions were held on same road along with arms and ammunition.

The arrests came two days after Kashmir Valley witnessed four encounters in the span of 36 hours. Eight militants, six of them belonging to Jaish-e-Mohammad terror outfit and three of them of Pakistani origin were killed in these gunfights in Bandipora, Shopian and Baramulla districts.

A 12-year-old boy taken hostage by militants in one of these encounters was killed by the militants.

Six security personnel were injured in these operations, while 5 civilians and four cops sustained injuries in the stone-pelting that ensued near two of the encounter sites.