In a swift joint operation, Handwara Police, along with 21 Rashtriya Rifles and 92 Battalion CRPF, have busted a terror module of the banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) operating in the Handwara–Kupwara belt of north Kashmir.
An ex-terrorist functioning in “hybrid” mode was apprehended from Handwara town, and a Chinese-made pistol along with ammunition was recovered from his possession.
Acting promptly on the information, security forces launched a joint operation at the identified location in Handwara town. After a meticulous security drill, the accused was taken into custody. He has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, son of Mohd Sultan Bhat, resident of Kruhmura, Handwara. A fresh case (FIR No. Police have emphasised that further investigation will focus on establishing the module’s wider linkages, any ongoing conspiracy, and the role of external handlers. The operation underscores the continued focus of security forces on neutralising hybrid threats that seek to revive or sustain terror infrastructure in north Kashmir.
232) has been registered at Police Station Handwara under relevant sections of the law.
Handwara Police received reliable inputs about the activities of an ex-terrorist who had re-emerged as a hybrid operative for an HM module active in the Handwara–Kupwara area, according to police.
Police stated that Bhat is a former terrorist who had earlier been arrested in two separate cases.
Investigation is underway to map the full extent of the module, its network, handlers, and any other associated activities or associates.
