Pattan, May 10: Security forces have arrested five Hizbul Mujahideen militants involved in a series of grenade attacks on security forces and recruiting school boys for militant activities in Pattan area in Baramulla district of north Kashmir.
The militants were arrested during an investigation into gunshots heard in Pattan area of Baramulla, 35 kms from Srinagar, during late evenings over the past several weeks.
“While questioning some old overground workers, we came to know that these militants were training school-going boys in handling arms and motivating them to work for their outfit,” DIG north Kashmir Muneer Khan told reporters here.
He said ambushes were laid in the area with the help of army and the militants were arrested.
The arrested ultras were identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat alias Moulvi, Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Zahoor Ahmad Ganaie, Mehrajuddin Ganaie (all residents of Pattan) and Mudassir Ahmad Shiekh of Tangmarg.
Khan said the busted module of militants was created by Hizb commander Maqsood Ahmad alias Tariq, who is presently lodged in jail.
“It was an attempt to revive Hizbul Mujahideen in Pattan area. The module was started by recycled and detained militants operating from jail,” he said.
The DIG said the militants were involved in a grenade attack on an army convoy in Pattan town in September last year, killing three jawans and injuring five others.
They were also involved in a grenade attack on CRPF personnel at Magam, on Srinagar-Gulmarg road, on July 11, 2009 in which a jawan and six civilians were injured, he said.
“They also made a failed bid to kill Chairman of Municipal Committee Kunzar Abdul Karim Dar last year in June,” he said.
Khan said the group was also involved in intimidating people against taking part in the ongoing Panchayat elections by pasting anti-poll posters.
—-PTI—-