Three Linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba Detained in Budgam, Weapons Seized
In an ongoing crackdown against terrorist networks, authorities in Budgam have detained three individuals connected to the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which is currently banned. Those apprehended include Muzamil Ahmad, Ishfaq Pandit, both from Aglar Pattan, and Muneer Ahmad, a resident of Meeripora Beerwah. The security operation took place in the Kawoosa Narbal region of Magam.
Upon their arrest, numerous weapons were retrieved, including a pistol and a hand grenade. As a result of these findings, a case has been initiated at the Police Station in Magam, employing applicable sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Further investigations into the matter are ongoing according to statements from J&K Police.
In other legal matters, the Supreme Court has postponed to May 19 the hearing of a petition lodged by Cabinet Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah. He is appealing against a suo motu order by Madhya Pradesh High Court, which demanded the registration of an FIR against him due to controversial remarks made against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, an Indian Army Officer.
Colonel Qureshi had previously briefed press outlets concerning Operation Sindoor, a military operation conducted against Pakistan. It is not yet clear how the court proceedings in the aforementioned legal matter will unfold.
In rural development news, seventeen remote villages located among difficult-to-access mountainous regions and lush forests in the increasingly Naxal-impacted Mohla-Manpur-Ambagarh Chowki district of Chhattisgarh have recently been connected to the electricity grid for the first time. This announcement was made by official representatives on Friday.
The newly implemented electrification project is expected to positively impact approximately 540 households. The project, costing Rs 3 crore, was executed under the Mukhyamantri Majratola Vidyutikaran Yojana, according to authorities.
In a separate incident, Delhi Police Crime Branch has taken into custody 13 individuals originating from Bangladesh in Auchandi village. These detainees have been accused of residing in the country without appropriate legal documents.
Evidence supporting these claims includes the retrieval of various Bangladeshi identification documents supposedly belonging to the detainees. Details regarding the further course of action in this case are currently undisclosed.
In recent military news, Maj Gen Dhananjay Joshi, GOC V Force, provided details about anti-terrorist initiatives undertaken in the Kelar & Tral zones. The army received intelligence on May 12th regarding a potential terrorist presence in the upper regions of Kelar.
On May 13th, suspicious activity was detected prompting our forces to challenge the insurgents who responded with gunfire. The ensuing confrontation led to the neutralisation of the threats. Meanwhile, another operation was being conducted in a village near the border situated in the Tral area.
As our forces were establishing a perimeter in the aforementioned village, terrorists who had concealed themselves within residential buildings initiated an attack. The primary challenge faced by our forces was ensuring the safety of innocent civilians in the area.
Subsequently, three terrorists were neutralized including Shahid Kutte, notorious for involvement in two significant attacks, one of which targeted a German tourist. Additionally, Shahid was known to facilitate financing activities within the respective terrorist organization. Information regarding the aftermath of the operation and civilian safety is currently undisclosed.
Lastly, a collective briefing by the army, law enforcement, and CRPF is currently being held. During this session, details of two major operations – Operation Kelar and Operation Nadir are expected to be divulged.