J&K: Major terror attack averted ahead of Independence Day, 3 Lashkar aides arrested

With the arrest of three associates of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), security forces averted a major attack in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Independence Day.

Acting swiftly on the specific input, a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army nabbed three men along with the weapons from the Khansahab area of district Budgam on Wednesday late night.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK magazines with 56 live rounds and one hand grenade, along with other incriminating materials were recovered from the possession of three Lashkar men.

The Lashkar men have been identified as Qaisar Ahmad Dar, Tahir Ahmad Dar and Aqib Rashed Ganie. All the men, who hail from Kashmir, have been booked under relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act. The investigation is currently underway and their interrogation will lead to some breakthrough information on Lashkar’s nefarious activities.

In view of the Independence Day, security has been stepped in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including in Poonch. Barricading and police personnel are being deployed in large numbers at several important junctions to foil the activities that can harm the peace and communal harmony of the Union Territory. Also, vehicles are being checked thoroughly in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier on Monday, a major infiltration bid was foiled along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district as security forces killed two Pakistani terrorists in an encounter.

Last month, two terrorists were neutralised by the security forces during a fierce gun battle along the LoC. The terrorists were trying to enter the Indian side illegally. Security forces had then seized four AK series rifles, six hand grenades, a UBGL and other incriminating materials from the possession of slain terrorists