Two ultras, 9 OGWs arrested in Sopore

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, January 9

Days after a massive IED blast, the J&K Police claimed to have arrested two militants of Hizbul Mujahideen and nine overground workers (OGWs) in north Kashmir’s Sopore. The two militants have been identified as Mushtaq Ahmad Chopan, alias Haroon, of Wagad village and Shuja-u-din Sheikh of Dadsara, Tral

The police said the two militants, hailing from south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, were arrested during an anti-militancy operation in the Watlab area on the outskirts of Sopore. Sopore SSP Harmeet Singh said an operation was launched after information about the presence of militants in the Watlab area was received.

“A search was launched by the police along with Marine Commandos (MARCOS) and the CRPF on Sunday. The militants were hiding near a school. They tried to open fire on the party, but were overpowered,” the SSP added.

Meanwhile, arms and ammunition were also recovered from the militants.

“During investigation, many names of OGWs surfaced who have been working as conduits of these militants and have been motivating the youth to join the militant ranks,” he said.

The OGWs belong to both Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish-e-Mohammad. The arrested OGWs are Tajamul Islam Shah, Syed Tamiz-u-din, Ghulam Nabi Mir, Mudasir Ahmad Mir, Saleem Ahmad Beigh, Muzamil Ahmad Ganie , Showket Ahmad Kaboo all residents of the Sopore area, while Irshad Ahmad Lone of Seer village in Tral and Humaiz of Kupwara.

The police, however, said the module had no role in the recent IED attack that left four policemen, including an officer, dead.