Two ‘hybrid terrorists’ of LeT apprehended in Shopian

Security forces have apprehended two “hybrid terrorists” of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Shopian district, officials said on Thursday.

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The officials said it was a “major operational success”.

“Hybrid terrorists” are those who are not listed as ultras but are radicalised enough to carry out a terror strike and then slip back into routine life.

Giving details of the operation, the officials said a cordon and search operation was launched at Baskuchan by Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police along with Army’s 44 RR and also CRPF 178 Battalion after security forces received an input.

“The area was effectively cordoned and the movement of terrorists was observed in a nearby orchard. Swift and strategic action by the forces led to the successful surrender of two LeT hybrid terrorists, averting a potential encounter,” they said.

The two were identified as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam, they added.

Two AK-56 rifles, four magazines, 102 rounds, two hand grenades, two pouches, Rs 5,400 in cash, a mobile phone, a smartwatch and an Aadhaar card were recovered from their possession. A case has been registered and an investigation has been launched, the officials said.