Timely action by J&K Police averts major terror strike

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, which recently busted a major terror module and seized over 2,900 kg of explosive material, mainly from Faridabad in Haryana, averted what officials described as a “major and bigger terror plan” by arresting key members of the network, sources said on Tuesday.

The operation, which spanned Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, culminated on Monday with the arrest of eight individuals, including three doctors, and the recovery of large quantities of materials used for manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

Police sources said the investigation began after posters linked to the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) outfit were found pasted at several locations in Bunpora, Nowgam area of Srinagar. The posters carried threats and intimidation messages targeting security forces and police personnel.

CCTV footage obtained from the area helped investigators trace individuals suspected of being part of a wider terror network.

“As the network began to unravel, a massive cache of IED material was recovered, indicating that the group was planning a major terror strike,” said a senior police official.

“By seizing the explosives, the police have averted a major tragedy. The quantity of material recovered clearly shows the scale of the attack they were preparing for,” the official added.

Following the busting of the module, police launched one of the largest coordinated security crackdowns in recent months across Jammu and Kashmir to ensure no further threats were being planned.

Since Saturday, police across various districts have detained around 1,500 individuals for questioning as part of efforts to dismantle the terrorist support network. Simultaneously, massive search operations have been conducted in multiple areas across the Union Territory.

Among those arrested are Arif Nisar Dar, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar, all residents of Nowgam; Irfan Ahmad, a cleric from Shopian; and Zameer Ahmad Ahanger from Wakura in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Officials said the investigation is continuing to identify and apprehend other individuals connected to the module.