3 youth whose pictures with weapons went viral arrested in Kupwara

Srinagar: A picture went viral on social media with three youths holding AK-47 rifles, who claimed to have joined militant ranks. The trio were identified as Aabid Hussain Wani son of Gulzar Ahmad resident of Lalpora, Zakir Rafiq Bhat son of Abdul Rashid resident of Lalpora and Javid Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Qadir resident of Thayan Kalaroos.

Prompt contact tracing revealed their presence in the forest area of Gungbugh area of Lolab. Accordingly Kupwara Police along with 28RR and 162Bn CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in the area. During the search operation They started firing on the search party.

However, repeated announcements were made to persuade them to surrender and after a brief shootout all the three were apprehended alive during the operation. Incriminating materials including arms and ammunition were recovered from their possession.

Case FIR No. 54/2020 under relevant sections of law registered at PS Sogam and investigation set into motion.

Preliminary investigation reveals that these three were in contact with militant handlers across PoK via social media, who motivated them to pick arms and join terror ranks. However, the swift intervention of police and security forces not only led to their prompt tracing but also in saving the precious lives of these misguided youths.

General youth is requested to be aware of the miscreants and anti-national elements on social media.