SRINAGAR, Apr 7: In a major counter terror operation, Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with central agencies, have dismantled an interstate Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) module, arresting five individuals including a militant leader who had evaded capture for over 16 years.
The arrested include Abdullah, also known as Abu Hureira, a long-absconding operative who allegedly established networks beyond Jammu and Kashmir during his years on the run. Another key includes a Pakistani national, Usman alias Khubaib, highlighting the cross-border dimensions of the module.
Security agencies carried out extensive searches at 19 locations spanning Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. The raids led to the seizure of incriminating material, shedding light on a deeply entrenched network that facilitated logistics and funding for militant activities.
Among those detained are three Srinagar residents Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir alias Mama who are accused of providing shelter, food, and other logistical support to operatives.
Preliminary investigations suggest that members of the network used forged identities and documents to enable a foreign militant to travel abroad, further indicating the sophistication of the operation.
Officials revealed that the group had infiltrated India around 16 years ago and remained active across several districts in the Kashmir Valley. During this period, they are believed to have coordinated and led nearly 40 foreign militants, most of whom have since been neutralized by security forces.
Authorities have termed the operation a significant breakthrough in curbing terror infrastructure and dismantling long-standing support systems operating across state lines.