In a significant move against militancy and anti-national activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) have arrested three persons involved in receiving and distributing materials sent by Pakistani handlers through drones.
Addressing the media in Jammu on Tuesday, Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, R R Swain, provided details of the operation.
According to the DGP, the JKP conducted raids at 10 houses in Rajouri and Poonch districts, targeting suspects involved in the drone delivery of money, arms, ammunition, and narcotics sent from Pakistan. Seven over-ground workers (OGWs) were identified as being involved in picking up the drone-delivered materials and further distributing them to disrupt peace in J&K ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The three arrested individuals were identified as Gulshan Naaz, a resident of Kotranka (already arrested under the UAPA), Imtiaz Ahmed, a resident of Kotranka, and Abid Shah, a resident of Budhal, Rajouri. The DGP stated that the police have solid evidence against the arrested persons, who were in touch with their Pakistani handlers.
Providing further details, DGP Swain revealed that the OGWs would pick up money sent from Pakistan through drones and distribute it to individuals who provide shelter to militants, OGWs, and the families of those already in jail. The mastermind behind this entire operation was identified as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Mohd Qasim, alias Suleman, currently based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The government has announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to Qasim’s arrest.
DGP Swain also highlighted Qasim’s involvement in several cases, including the IED blast in a pilgrims’ bus in Katra and the Narwal blast. He stated that Qasim has been actively brainwashing vulnerable youth using social media platforms, attempting to lure them into joining militancy.
While acknowledging that many youths have prevented themselves from falling into this trap, the DGP urged parents and teachers to spread the message that any youth who falls into the trap will face arrest. However, he assured that the JKP would differentiate between OGWs and those who turn approvers.
The DGP warned that drone recipients would be dealt with an iron hand if they did not surrender or become approvers. He further stated that all the masterminds are under surveillance, and the police have strong electronic and technical evidence against them, with investigations ongoing.
The arrests and the DGP’s statements underscore the JKP’s commitment to cracking down on militant activities and dismantling the networks that enable such activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
