NIA on the lookout for key conspirator in Kakryal case

Amir Karim Tantray

Tribune News Service

Jammu, September 18

As the investigation in the Jhajjar Kotli terror incident is in progress, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and other security agencies are looking for the alleged main conspirator who helped in ferrying militants to Kashmir from Dyalachak.

The alleged conspirator, Ashiq Hussain, who is the brother of arrested truck driver Riaz Ahmed, plotted the ferrying of militants from near the International Border in the Jammu region to Kashmir.

Sources said Hussain used to get the information about the infiltrating militants and the pick-up point.

“He was in touch with handlers in Pakistan, militant commanders in Kashmir, and three ultras who were gunned down by security agencies on September 13. However, he was not in the truck, which was used by the militants to go to Kashmir,” said a source.

“After the truck driver and his accomplice were arrested, Hussain has gone underground,” the source said.

During the investigation, the security agencies came to know about Hussain’s involvement in the racket. “Riaz Ahmed told the police and other agencies about the involvement of his brother in the plot,” the source said.

“Hussain, who was in Jammu, acted as the main courier, guide and financier. After his brother was arrested, he has gone underground along with other associates working in Kashmir,” he added.

The police have handed over the case to the NIA which has got the custody of Ahmed and his accomplice Muhammad Iqbal, a BSc nursing student. “Though the NIA is handling the investigation into the case, the police and other security agencies are also helping it to trace the persons wanted in the case,” said a senior police officer.