Srinagar, Apr 7: Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have dismantled an interstate terror network linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and taken five individuals into custody, including a key operative who had evaded arrest for over a decade, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Among those detained is Abdullah, also known as Abu Hureira, who had reportedly been absconding for nearly 16 years and is believed to have established operational links beyond the Union Territory. Authorities also apprehended another foreign militant identified as Usman, alias Khubaib, during the coordinated crackdown involving J&K Police and central security agencies.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement teams conducted searches at 19 locations spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. During these operations, officials recovered materials considered crucial to the ongoing probe. Preliminary findings suggest the existence of an extensive support network associated with the banned outfit, allegedly responsible for arranging logistics and financial assistance for militant activities.
Police sources stated that three residents of Srinagar — Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, also known as Mama were among those arrested. They are suspected of assisting the militants by providing shelter, food, and other forms of logistical support.
Investigators further revealed that one foreign militant was able to travel outside the country using forged identification documents, allegedly facilitated by contacts within the wider network operating in different states.
According to officials, the militants are believed to have infiltrated into India roughly 16 years ago and remained active across several districts of the Kashmir Valley. During this period, they reportedly supervised and coordinated the activities of dozens of foreign militants, many of whom were later neutralized by security forces.
