Security forces arrest Hizb operative in Poonch

JAMMU: A Hizbul Mujahideen operative was arrested as the security forces conducted search operations in different parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar and Doda districts in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

Abdul Khalil, a resident of north Kashmir’s Bandipora, was arrested from Surankote area of Poonch district during an anti-militancy operation, the officials said.

A pistol and some ammunition were recovered from the possession of Khalil, who is working as a guide to facilitate infiltrating militants of proscribed Hizbul Mujahideen militant outfit, they said.

The officials said that a mobile phone with multiple Pakistani SIM cards were also recovered from the possession of the arrested militant operative.

The security forces also conducted a cordon and search operation in nearly half-a-dozen villages following information about the movement of two suspected militants in Dehra Ki Gali area of Poonch, the officials said.

They said that two armed suspects, dressed in black, were seen moving in Salampura village near Dehra Ki Gali late Monday night.

The police assisted by the Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF launched a joint operation immediately after getting the information.

The suspected militants were seen moving towards lower Pangai, the officials said, adding the search operation is underway but there was no contact with the suspected militants so far.

The officials further said the security forces also launched a search operation at Sanai, Jangal, Pattan and adjoining villages in Surankote area of Poonch and Bangar-Saroor forest in Drabshalla area of Kishtwar district this morning.

The search operations were also conducted in Dessa and adjoining forests in Doda and forward areas in Lam and Nowshera sectors of Rajouri district, they said. (PTI)