Security forces have apprehended nine locals and a ‘kingpin’ for helping terrorists carry out attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
It’s suspected that these men guided the terrorists to Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda districts after their illegal entry into India.
The kingpin, Mohammad Lateef alias Haji Lateef from Ambe Naal, Kathua, provided shelter to the terrorists.
He had been evading arrest since a recent encounter in Hiranagar.
Police have questioned around 50 residents suspected of providing shelter to the terrorists in dhoks or kutcha houses in the mountains, used for grazing livestock.
“Arrested members of the module have confirmed that three militants killed in an encounter with security forces in Gandoh area of Doda district on June 26 were assisted by them in hiding and travelling without being detected till they reached the upper areas,” the officials said.
Some provided food and shelter, with a few accepting money from the terrorists according to reports. Those who reported such contacts voluntarily to the police are considered innocent.
Police stressed the importance of reporting any contact with militants immediately, warning that failure to do so could result in criminal charges and loss of government benefits.
The arrested members confirmed assisting three terrorists killed in a June 26 encounter in Gandoh, Doda district.
Lateef coordinated the group's activities, including providing logistics and directing others to assist the militants who have been conducting terror attacks ever since.
The arrested individuals include Akhter Ali, Saddam, Kushal, Noorani, Maqbool, Liaquat, Kasim Din, and Khadim alias Qazi, all from various parts of Kathua district. The group was responsible for guiding militants after they infiltrated into India.
“The module besides providing initial shelter, food and other logistics, was also responsible for guiding them to upper reaches in Udhampur, Kathua and Doda districts.
The militants were taken to Kailash Mountain which is at the centre of the tri-junction of these three districts,” they added.
Police are continuing the interrogation of Lateef, who is believed to have assisted additional militant groups in reaching the upper regions of Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua.
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