Jammu & Kashmir: Timeline (Terrorist Activities) -2021

The Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) on June 1, filed a charge sheet against senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra in a case related to the alleged nexus between politicians and terror groups in the Union Territory, reports Daily Excelsior. Officials said, Parra has been chargesheeted by the Criminal Investigation (Kashmir) wing of the Jammu and Kashmir’s Crime Investigation Department (CID) under various Sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) dealing with waging war against the country and threatening peace. The charge sheet was submitted before the competent court which has taken cognisance of the document. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on November 25, 2020, arrested Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra for allegedly supporting Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), a banned terror outfit, in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India. Earlier, NIA had stated on November 25, 2020, “Today, NIA arrested Waheed Ur Rehman Parra, the youth wing leader of People’s Democratic Party, in connection with Naveed Babu/Devender Singh case for supporting Hizbul Mujahideen [HM] in conspiracy with the other accused persons.” Parra has been in judicial custody since his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Kashmir (CIK), a branch of CID mandated to probe cases under the UAPA and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Read less...

Police arrested a militant associate and recovered incriminating material from his possession in Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 2, reports Daily Excelsior. A Police spokesman said that acting on a specific information, a special joint checkpoint was established by Police and 43Bn Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Harren Soibugh area of Budgam. “During checking, officers apprehended [arrested] a militant associate identified as Fayaz Ahmed Bhat son of Mohammad Amin Bhat of Hakarmula Budgam linked with proscribed militant outfit LeT [Lashkar-e-Toiba],” the spokesman said, adding that preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested militant associate was providing shelter, logistics and other material support including transportation of arms and ammunition to the active militants of LeT in various areas of Budgam. “The arrested militant associate has been in touch with the PaK militant commanders through various social media platforms and was also in constant touch with LeT self-styled militant commanders in Kashmir”, the spokesman said. “Incriminating material including posters of proscribed militant outfit LeT were recovered from the possession. Accordingly, a case under FIR number 152/2021 under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Budgam and investigation into the matter has been initiated,” Police said. Read less...

Militants shot dead a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and critically injured the daughter of his friend in Tral area in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 2, reports Daily Excelsior. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar, said, three militants fired upon Municipal Councillor of Tral town, Rakesh Pandita son of Somnath Pandita. He was critically injured in the militant attack and was removed to a nearby medical facility but was declared dead by doctors. The IGP said that Pandita had gone to visit his friend Mushtaq Ahmad, whose daughter, Asifa Mushtaq, was also injured in the attack. The IGP further said that massive operation has been launched in the area to arrest the militants responsible for the killing of the BJP leader. Read less...

Pakistani Rangers fired at an earth-mover machine engaged in cleaning bushes along the International Border (IB) in Arnia sector in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 2, in what could be the second ceasefire violation in nearly four months, reports Daily Excelsior. Sources said Pakistani Rangers fired a few rounds upon noticing the bullet-proof JCB machine clearing the bushes in Arnia sector’s Vikram area in the outskirts of Jammu around 8.15 am. However, there was no report of any casualty. The Border Security Force (BSF) fired a few rounds in retaliation, they said, adding the situation has returned to normal and there is calm along the IB. On May 2, Pakistani Rangers violated the ceasefire by opening fire along the IB in Ramgarh sector in Samba District, which was the first ceasefire violation by Pakistan after the two countries signed a fresh agreement to maintain calm along the border on February 25 this year. Read less...

Police arrested a militant associate of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) recovered one grenade and 50 live AK series rounds from his possession, in Bandipora District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 2, reports Daily Excelsior. A Police spokesman said that acting on a specific tip off about anti-national activity in the general area of Bandipora, a naka (Police check post) was laid at Putushai by a joint team of 14 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), 3rd Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Police Bandipora. “A suspect, who gave his name as Irshad Ahmad Mir, son of Mohammad Yousuf Mir of Onagam, was approaching the naka in a suspicious manner was waylaid by the joint security forces and his personal search was carried out,” the spokesman said. “During detailed questioning, the person revealed that he was working as an associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba and on basis of his confession one grenade and 50 live AK series rounds were recovered, the statement said, adding that he revealed that the said ammunition was handed over to him to effect a militant strike in the general area of Bandipora”, the spokesman added. Read less...

Police, on June 2, detained four individuals under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in Kupwara District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, for sloganeering during the funeral of a youth killed in a road accident last month, reports Daily Excelsior. Police said that four individuals have been booked under the UAPA in Bumhama, Kupwara. Police said that on May 28 a youth, Mohammad Amin Dar, belonging to Bumhama, was killed in a road accident and at the funeral prayers the next morning some youth who took part in the last rites raised slogans following which a case was registered under relevant sections. Read less...

An active militant operative was killed in an overnight operation at Police component complex Tral in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 3, reports Daily Excelsior. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir range, Vijay Kumar said that Mohammad Amin Malik son of Abdul Ahad Malik of Nagbal Machhma in Tral, was an active militant operative, who was killed in an overnight operation of Security Forces (SFs) at Police component complex Tral. Amin was arrested on May 30, 2021 along with incriminating materials including arms, ammunitions and explosives including unlicensed 12 bore gun, live rounds, explosives, iron/steel balls, 9 feature phones and other warlike stores used in fabrication of IEDs [Improvised Explosive Devices]. The IGP said, “A case FIR No. 48/2021 under relevant Sections of law was registered at Police Station Tral. Amin was on police remand and on 2/6/2021 he was brought from Police Station Tral to the Police Component, Tral for further interrogation. During the interrogation, he got hold of the service rifle (AK 47) of Constable Amjad Khan and fired indiscriminately with intention to kill the police personnel. He critically wounded CT Amjad Khan.” Subsequently, he was engaged in a gun fight following the rules and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of such engagement and was neutralized. The snatched weapon was recovered from the possession of the slain militant. The IGP added, it is pertinent to mention here that the slain militant operative was active militant of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) in the past and was arrested in 2003. “Further, his brother Shabir Malik was also a militant of AGuH [Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind] outfit who was eliminated at Brenpathri [village located in Charar- E- Shrief Tehsil (revenue unit) in Budgam District] in 2019,” he added. Read less...

Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane, on June 3, said, very few terrorist-initiated incidents and stone-pelting cases have taken place in the Union Territory (UT) and this indicates a return to “normalcy” in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), reports Daily Excelsior. “There have been very few terrorist-initiated incidents, hardly any cases of stone-pelting which indicates a return to a sense of normalcy. People also want the same and it is a good thing. In this context of return to normalcy, we are from our side prepared and we have taken all necessary steps for the smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra,” General Naravane said while asserting that the Army is prepared and has taken all necessary steps for the smooth conduct of Amarnath yatra. The Army chief said that there have been decades of mistrust between Pakistan and India and pointed out that the onus is entirely on Pakistan to build trust with India. “The terror infrastructure on the other side of the LoC [Line of Control] continues, therefore there cannot be any slackening on our preparedness or alertness,” Naravane said. Read less...

Army and Police recovered a consignment of arms and ammunition from Manyal village under Thanamandi Tehsil (revenue unit) in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 4, reports Daily Excelsior. Security personnel launched searches in upper reaches of Azmatabad area of Thanamandi after developing specific information about a dump of arms and ammunition, and recoveries were made from Manyal village. Recoveries include four pistols with eight magazines and 105 rounds, one AK rifle with two magazines and 54 rounds, packaging material and ropes. However, no arrests have been made immediately in connection with the recoveries. Read less...

Paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) opened fire after some youth pelted stones at their Convoy near Kralpora in Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India early on June 4 (today), reports Daily Excelsior. A senior Police office said that the CRPF’s 29 BN was on way from Chanapora to Doonwari Chadoora camp when it came under stone pelting near Kralpora. They fired few shots in air and there were no injuries to anyone in the incident. Read less...

At least three youth from Kakapora area in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, were booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) for their alleged involvement in stone pelting during the gunfight in the area in April this year, reports Daily Excelsior on June 6. The trio identified as Sameer Mushtaq Lone son of Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, Mudasir Ahmad Lone son of Noor Muhammad Lone and Sameer Ahmed Lone son of Bashir Ahmed Lone-all residents of Kakapora Pulwama and have been shifted to Kot Bhalwal Jail Jammu. Read less...

Militants opened fire on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Budgam District of Jammu and Kashmir on June 5, officials said, reports defenceaviationpost.com. There were no casualties in the incident, they said. The CRPF convoy was on its way to Srinagar from Chadoora area in Budgam. The militants opened fire on the convoy in Kralpora, the officials said. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) busted a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militant module and arrested its two Over Ground Workers (OGWs) along with a huge cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, at Lower Munda Crossing in Qazigund area in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 5, reports Daily Excelsior. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar, said, two persons travelling in dumper truck, who were behaving suspiciously, were questioned by the SFs, and during questioning they revealed that they are OGWs of the JeM and were identified as Zahid Nabi son of Ghulam Nabi Dar of Samboora, Kakapora in Pulwama District and Mehrajuddin Dar son of Ali Mohammad Dar of the same village. During search of the vehicle two AK 56 rifles, 8 AK magazines, ten 9mm pistols, 18 pistol magazines, ninety 9×19 mm ammunition and nine grenades were recovered. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) on June 5, arrested two people, identified as Mehraj Ahmad Bhat and Zahid Nabi Dar and recovered cache of arms and ammunition from a vehicle on National Highway in Lower Munda area of Qazigund area in Kulgam District, reports Daily Excelsior. “A huge quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from the fur which include 2 AK 56 rifles, 8 AK mags, 10 9mm pistols, 18 pistol mags, 90 9×19 mm ammunition and 9 Grenades,” according to Police sources. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) on June 5, detected and defused an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Government quarters in Srinagar, reports Daily Excelsior. “A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called,” officials said, adding that the IED, which was placed inside a box, was later defused without causing any damage or loss to life. Read less...

Seven persons were injured in a grenade blast at Tral in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 6, reports Daily Excelsior. Police said that one injured person, Farooq Reshi (55), of Tral Payeen, has been shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment. The other injured include Mohammad Amad-Ud-Din (5), of Satoora, Haseena (38), of Darganiegund, Jalaluddin Bhat (41), of Khrew Pampore, Ilyas Ahmad Bhat (28), of Reshpora Tral, Khalifa (35) of Chankitar and Bashir Ahmad Hajam (45), of Tral Payeen. An Alto car bearing registration number JK02 BX-7993 belonging to Devinder Singh of Haffo was slightly damaged in the attack. Read less...

An absconding Over Ground Worker (OGW), who is accused of providing shelter and other logistics to the militants, has been arrested after 22 years, in Reasi District of Jammu and Kashmir(J&K) in India on June 7, reports Daily Excelsior. Accused Mohi-ud-Din, son of Samdoo, resident of Shikari, Mahore tehsil (revenue unit) in Reasi District, was absconding in case FIR number 82/1999, dated 22/06/1999, under section 212, 216 RPC under Mahore Police Station. By meticulously planning & coordinated efforts after developing input, team of Police Station Mahore arrested the criminal, said Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Reasi, Shailendra Singh. Read less...

At least 40 persons (young men) have joined the militant ranks in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) this year with another 50 missing, reported official sources, reports Free Press Kashmir on June 9. The official report said several among the missing are suspected to have joined militancy but have not been included in the official count by the officials as the recruitment is not established yet. Quoting a senior-level official source, the report said: “This year there have been around 40 who have joined militant groups, basically the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Al-Badr. However, around 50 are still missing.” Another arm of the defence and security apparatus, which is involved in counterinsurgency operations, verified the trend of recruiting, the report said. “All the traditional militant groups, which were operating from Pakistan with the direct support of the ISI, like the LeT (Lashkar-e-Taiba), Jaish-e-Mohammad [JeM] have now got frontal organisations with peculiar names to showcase that Pakistan has no role in the terror activities in Kashmir,” the report said quoting another official source, adding “The Resistance Front (TRF), which is a front for LeT, has attracted the majority of the new members”. Furthermore, the Harkat-ul-Mujahideen’s infamous 313 Brigade has been transformed into the Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force, the report said. The Lashkar-e-Mustafa (LeM) is a JeM front that rose to prominence after the Pulwama incident in 2019. Hizbul’s recruitment and operations are shrinking. The report also said Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM)’s operations and recruiting have slowed, owing to tensions at its headquarters in Pakistan administrated Kashmir (PaK). 131 Kashmiri youngsters had joined militancy in 2020, the report said quoting official statistics, as of early October 2020. This was an increase from the 117 new hires in 2019. In 2018, 214 young people joined militant ranks, the highest level of recruitment in recent years. Read less...

Militants attacked a Security Force (SF) party in Shopian District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 11, reports India TV. A Police official said the militants fired upon the joint party of Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Aglar in Zainapora area around noon, however, no loss of life or injury has been reported in the incident. The area has been cordoned off and a hunt has been launched to arrest the attackers, the official added. Read less...

Two Policemen and two civilians were killed, while a Police officer among four others were injured in a militant attack on a Police party at main chowk of Sopore in Baramulla District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 12, reports Daily Excelsior. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar, said, militants targeted a Police party at main Chowk in Sopore when they were enforcing Corona curfew in the area by firing at them indiscriminately. The killed Policemen were identified as Constable Waseem Ahmed, son of Muhamamd Saqiq Bhat of Narbal in Srinagar, and constable Showkat Ahmed, son of Abdul Gani, resident of Goripora in Beerwah in Budgam, while the killed civilians were identified as Bashir Ahmed Khan, son of Ghulam Hassan of Mohalla Taliyan in Sopore, and Showkat Ahmed Shalla, son of Ghulam Qadir of Shalimar Colony in Sopore. Sub-Inspector (SI), Mukesh Kumar, and Special Police Officer (SPO), Danish Ahmed, were also injured in the attack. The injured civilian has been identified as Nayeem Ahmed Khan, son of Muhammad Maqbool, a resident of Maharajpora in Sopore. The IGP said that a massive operation has been launched against the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants who were responsible for the attack. He identified the two militants as Fayaz War and Mudasir Pandit, both locals. He said that both the militants will be neutralised soon. Read less...

A live mortar shell was found in a field and was subsequently defused by experts in Samba District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 13, reports Daily Excelsior. Police said, the shell was spotted by some villagers at Banglar-Pangdour and they informed the local Police post, and a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) immediately rushed to the spot and destroyed in a controlled explosion. Read less...

Body of a 23-year-old militant was found in Soura locality in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 13, reports Daily Excelsior. An official said, the body of Amir Ahmad Malik who was active militant of ‘ c category’ of Al-Badr outfit was found from Anchar area of Soura. A resident of Hyder Gund Zainapora in Shopian, Amir, was active since October 31, 2020, the official said. Read less...

Union Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy, on June 13, said that militancy and infiltration are on decline in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and security situation across the country has witnessed lot of positive changes, reports Daily Excelsior. Reddy said that the security scenario in the country has witnessed a lot of positive changes over the past two years with improved law and order situation and declining violence by militants and Left Wing Extremists (LWEs). He also said the renewed focus would be shifted towards the development of J&K to fulfill the aspirations of people after the ongoing fight against COVID-19 is won by the country. Read less...

Militants opened fire on a Security Force (SF) patrol party in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 14, reports Daily Excelsior. Police said, militants fired upon patrolling party of SFs at Khushipora-Achabal in the Anantnag District, however, no casualties were reported in the incident. Read less...

One unidentified militant was killed in an encounter between Security Forces (SFs) and militants at Wagoora in Naugam area in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 16 (today), reports Daily Excelsior. Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, “Srinagar Encounter Update: 01 unidentified terrorist killed. Search going on. Further details shall follow”. A Police official said, two terrorists were trapped in the encounter and one of them has been killed, and the identity, group affiliation of the militant shot dead are being confirmed. Read less...

The militant killed in the encounter at Wagoora in Naugam area in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 16, was identified as Uzair Ahmad Dar, a Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, reports Daily Excelsior. Uzair, a resident of Wandina Melhoora Wachi in Zainapora, was active since January this year. Police said that one pistol along with a magazine and six rounds besides two grenades have been recovered from the encounter site. Earlier, SATP had reported the incident on June 16. Read less...

A Policeman, identified as Javaid Ahmad Tambi, was killed in a militant attack outside his residence at Saidapora Eidgah area in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 17, reports Daily Excelsior. Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar, said, the Policeman, Tambi of Saidpora, was critically injured when militants fired at him outside his residence. He was posted with a Judicial Officer and had returned home shortly before the attack. Later, a massive hunt has been launched against militants responsible for the attack. Read less...

India on June 17, rejected Pakistan's latest salvo at the United Nations (UN) vis-a-vis the Kashmir conflict, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and that "no amount of questioning can change the reality", reports The Hindu. India also stressed that cross-border terrorism was unacceptable. The comments came during a regular media briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), where the Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi's letter to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and the Security Council regarding the Kashmir conflict. Bagchi said that “no amount of justification can make terrorism acceptable”. He added, "Look, I will only say that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. No amount of questioning can change this reality. Also, cross border terrorism is unacceptable and no amount of justification can make it acceptable”. Read less...

Militants fired shots at the vehicle of a civilian in Hassanpora in Bijbehara Tehsil (revenue unit) in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 18, causing injury to a minor, reports The Times of India. Eyewitnesses said that militants fired upon an I -20 car of one Bilal Ahmad, a contractor based in Hassanpora. Though Bilal did not receive any injury, his son, a minor, who was in the vehicle at the time of attack, received minor injuries. Read less...

Terrorists are continuing their efforts to infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports Times Now on June 21. According to intelligence reports, two Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militants identified as Nizamuddin and Samad of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are at Khuiretta, close to the Line of Control (LoC) near J&K in India, and are likely to attempt to infiltrate shortly. Four Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants training at Nikial, reached Tarkundi, a village in PoK with Sabbir, a guide. The local ‘commander’, Haji Arif, is moving with the group, which plans to enter the Bhimber Galli area in J&K. Three HM militants with their guide, Mohammed Iqbal, are at Mehradori launch pad near the LoC since May 27. They plan to infiltrate into the Baramulla area of J&K in India very shortly. The terror camps are intact and more infiltration is expected as the snows have melted and the passes have opened. Read less...

After the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India has seen a 60 per cent decrease in terror incidents, reports News18 on June 21. In 2018, J&K witnessed 614 terror incidents. However, the number came down to 244 incidents in 2020, a drop of 60.26 per cent, as per data from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA). According to UMHA data, the Kashmir valley saw 65 terrorists infiltrating in 2014, which reduced to 36 in 2015, but then significantly increased to 119 in 2016, 136 in 2017, 143 in 2018 and 133 in 2019. With the strong anti-infiltration grid in place, 2020 witnessed infiltration bids reduced to lower than 100 with around 30 terrorists sneaking into India, and, as per official figures, all infiltration bids in the last three months were successfully foiled. The Kashmir valley used to witness around 1,500 stone pelting incidents every year that drastically came down to 327 incidents in 2020. Read less...

Three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militants, including a LeT ‘commander’ identified as Mudasir Pandit, were killed in an encounter with Security Forces (SFs) in the Gund Brath area of Sopore of Baramulla District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 20, reports Times Now. The SFs launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the area following information about the presence of at least three militants, including Pandit. Police also identified another militant killed in this incident as Asrar alias Abdullah, a resident of Pakistan, who is active in North Kashmir since 2018. Mudasir Pandit was wanted by SFs in many cases, including the killing of two Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) councilors and three Policemen and two civilians recently, said Inspector General of Police (IG) Kashmir Zone Vijay Kumar. The identity of the third militant is yet to be ascertained. Read less...

Police Inspector, identified as Parvez Ahmad Dar was killed in a militant attack in Nowgam area of Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 22, reports Daily Excelsior. The Resistance Front (TRF) claimed the attack and warned more such attacks against the Police, said Inspector General of Police (IG) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. Dar was shot in front of local mosque while he was going for prayer at Menganwari Nowgam area of Srinagar District. The Inspector was rushed to Sri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital in Srinagar where he was declared as brought dead. A massive operation has been launched in the area against the militants responsible for the killing of the officer. Read less...

A Joint team of Police, Indian Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) killed a Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant identified as Sajad Ahmad Bhat during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Shirmal village of Zainapora in Shopian District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports Daily Excelsior on June 23. During the search operation as the presence of militants got ascertained they were given an opportunity to surrender. However, they fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party, which was retaliated leading to an encounter Security Forces (SFs) recovered one pistol with magazine, one grenade and other incriminating materials from the location. Sajad Ahmad Bhat is a resident of Badigam Aishmuqam in Anantnag District and was active in militancy since September 14, 2020 and involved in several cases, said Police official. Read less...

Border Security Force (BSF) killed a narco smuggler along the International Border (IB) near Pansar in Hiranagar sector of Kathua District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports The Kashmir Monitor on June 23. BSF has also recovered 27 packets of heroin and searches in the area were going on, said BSF officials. Read less...

Core Group comprising senior officials from the civil administration and the security agencies met at the Indian Army’s Badami Bagh Cantonment to review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in Srinagar District of J&K in India on June 22, reports India Tribune. The officials shared inputs about the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC) and the hinterlands. The ceasefire has improved the security situation along the International Border (IB). However, intelligence inputs of terrorist launch pads and terrorist training activities in Pakistan indicate the need to be alert along the LoC. There are indications of heightened activity in the last two months. The cross-border smuggling of narcotics and weapons continues to be the focus of the intelligence agencies and Security Forces (SFs). This includes continued vigil and checks on all passes leading to the Kashmir Valley. There is a joint SFs effort at targeting the Over Ground Worker (OGW) network that sustains terrorism and focused efforts by the Police have led to the apprehension of nearly 400 such persons. Local recruitment, though lower than previous years, continues to be the focus area of the security and intelligence agencies. The efforts of some outfits to use variety of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) are being proactively countered. Reports of encroachments along the national highway are being checked as these can cause security threat to the convoy movement on the highways. The shift of terrorist’s modus operandi in targeting soft targets and counter measures were also discussed. The officials deliberated on the propaganda effort by Pakistan and their antagonistic information warfare tactics, said statement released by Indian Army. The meeting was co-chaired by the General Officer Commanding, Chinar Corps, Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, and Director General of Police (DGP), J&K, Dilbag Singh. Read less...

Separatist leader Shabbir Shah was involved in generation of huge proceeds of crime from Pakistan and other countries to create unrest in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in India, Enforcement Directorate (ED) told a court in Delhi on June 22, reports The Tribune. Shah amassed huge wealth in the form of immovable and movable properties and was also involved in terror-financing activities. Shah was in regular touch with Hafiz Sayeed, ‘chief’ of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), based in Pakistan. Shah was also in touch with Mohammad Shafi Shayar, who belongs to Kashmir and had escaped to Pakistan along with his family after his release from the Jammu Central Jail in J&K in India. The ED made the submissions before Delhi court while opposing Shabbir Shah bail application in a money laundering case. Read less...

Militants killed a civilian identified as Umer Nazir Bhat (28) near Fashion Inn shop in Habba Kadal area of Srinagar District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 23, reports Daily Excelsior. The Militants fired upon a mobile shop owner, Umer Nazir Bhat inside his shop. He was rushed to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital for treatment, where he was declared dead on arrival. The area has been cordoned off and search in the area is going on. These innocent killings of civilian and local Policemen are being committed by local militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) on the instruction of militant Abbas Sheikh, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone, Vijay Kumar Read less...

In the All-Party Meeting (APM) on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) called by Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi on June 24, saw the Central Government representatives committing to fast-paced process of delimitation of Legislative Assembly constituencies followed by elections leading to formation of an elected Government in J&K besides restoration of Statehood as promised in the Indian Parliament, but without any time-frame, reports Daily Excelsior. The majority of participants have left restoration of special status of J&K to the Supreme Court where abrogation of Articles 370 and 35-A has been challenged by various political parties and other organizations including the National Conference (NC). PM Modi is reported to have assured all political parties that they would be an integral part of the delimitation process and their views would be taken on board and he urged them to participate in the process to ensure early completion. An official statement released by the Indian Government on the meeting also had mention of delimitation of Assembly constituencies followed by the Assembly elections in J&K. Lieutenant Governor of J&K; Manoj Sinha, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval and Political leaders of various political parties from J&K have attended the meeting. Read less...

Militant violence in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has decreased by 50 per cent but there are 200 active militants operating in the Kashmir Valley, said General Officer Commanding (GOC) 15 Corps Lieutenant General DP Pandey, while speaking to media at Handwara in Kupwara District of J&K in India on June 24, reports Daily Excelsior. He said that the security situation at Handwara which used to be a hotbed of militancy is very good and area is very peaceful now with the joint efforts of security agencies and people. Read less...

The Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) leadership has identified Yapa Narayana alias Haribhushan (deceased Telangana ‘state committee secretary’) successor in Damodar alias Bade Chokka Rao, who is the presently ‘military commander’, The Hindu reports on June 25. Comparing the leadership styles of the departed Maoist Haribhushan and Damodar, a top Police official said, “while Haribhushan was strategically pragmatic, Damodar is handicapped by analytical thinking. But his strength is logistical prowess and quick military action.” A native of Tadvai in Mulugu District of Telangana, Damodar was a close associate of Haribhushan and planned several Naxal [Left Wing Extremism, LWE] operations and cadre recruitments in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Times of India on June 26, adds that Damodar carries a reward of INR 2.5 million bounty on his head in Telangana, and has 70 cases related to Maoist violence in Warangal, Mulugu, Bhupalpally and Kothagudem Districts of Telangana. Read less...

Militants lobbed a hand grenade towards Bijbehara Police Station in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 25, reports India Today. However, the grenade exploded without causing any damage. The area has been cordoned off and a search is underway to arrest the militants. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) comprising of Police, Indian Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) killed one Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant, identified as Murtaza Ahmed Dar and one LeT militant identified as Sahil Ahmed Dar have also surrendered in an encounter during a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Kachdoora village of Hanjipora area in Shopian District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 25, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs recovered one AK-56 rifle, one pistol, three AK-magazines and two grenades from surrendered LeT militant. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) comprising of Police, Indian Army’s 7 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Border Security Force’s (BSF) 87 Battalion foiled the infiltration bid by militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 25, reports Daily Excelsior. SFs recovered one AK 47, one pistol, two grenades and other ammunition as well as six packets of heroin worth INR 300 million left by the infiltrators. Read less...

The number of active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India has decreased and measures will be intensified to strengthen the battle against terrorism and curb heinous activities of militants, said Director General of Police (DGP), Dilbag Singh, on June 25, while speaking to media at Police Training Centre in Reasi District of J&K, reports Daily Excelsior. The endeavor is to put an end to militant activities and curb terrorism. He added that it is not a one-sided battle. There are more than 200 armed terrorists will be present in an area, it is not that they will continue to die, when Security Forces (SFs) fight them during exchange of fire. Read less...

On June 26, a militant and an Over-Ground Worker (OGW) was arrested near a shopping mall under Trikuta Nagar Police Station limits in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports Daily Excelsior. The militant duos were arrested following information about militant presence and carrying out recce of prominent installations before carrying out a terror strike in the Jammu city. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing nearly five kilograms and arms and ammunition were recovered from the arrested duos, reports The Indian Express. Read less...

On June 26, three civilians were injured in a roadside grenade attack targeting a joint party of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) at Barbarshah under Kralkhud Police Station limits in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports The Indian Express. Following the attack, the area was cordoned off. The attack comes after Prime Minister (PM), Narendra Modi, held a meeting with leaders of J&K on June 24. Read less...

Police filed a charge sheet against two persons identified as Mohammad Yousaf and Mohammad Ashraf in a court in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 26 for attempting to revive militancy in Reasi District of J&K, reports Kashmir Reader. Both of them were arrested by Police earlier on January 1, 2021 with arms and ammunition. Both the arrested were in constant touch with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militant Talib Hussain, based in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) through social media and were planning to revive militancy and carry out a major terrorist attack in the Jammu region of J&K. Read less...

Militants killed a Special Police Officer (SPO) identified as Fayaz Ahmad and his wife Raja Begum in their house at Hariparigam Tral in the Awantipora area of Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 27, reports Daily Excelsior. Militants barged into the house of Ahmad and fired indiscriminately on all the family members. The SPO, his wife and daughter received bullet injuries. They were rushed to a hospital, where the SPO and his wife succumbed to injuries while condition of their daughter Rafia is stated to be critical. Read less...

Police arrested a militant identified as Nadeem-ul-Haq, resident of Zainhal in Banihal Tehsil (revenue unit) in Ramban District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India along with Improvised Explosive Device (IED) of 5.5 kilograms from Barmini road in Jammu City in Jammu District of J&K on June 27, reports Daily Excelsior. During the investigation it has been transpired that Nadeem was in contact with the handlers from Pakistan and Shopian District associated with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) / The Resistance Front (TRF) who had given him task to plant IED in some crowded place in Jammu city. Read less...

Two Air Force personnel was injured in two low-intensity explosions inside the Air Force base of Jammu Airport in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 27 (today), reports Daily Excelsior. According to Indian Air Force (IAF), two drones were used to carry out the attack that caused minor damage to the roof of a building. The Tribune reported that the two explosions occurred within a gap of five minutes. Read less...

The daughter of slain Special Police Officer (SPO) Fayaz Ahmed identified as Rafia has succumbed to injuries at Hospital in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 28, reports Daily Excelsior. Earlier, South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) reported about militant attack on the SPO Fayaz Ahmad’s family at his house at Hariparigam Tral in the Awantipora area in Pulwama District of J&K in India on June 27. Read less...

The preliminary investigation revealed that two militants of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), one suspected to be a foreigner and another local militant, were involved in the attack and killing of Fayaz Ahmad, a Special Police Officer (SPO) and two of his family members at Hariparigam village of Tral in Pulwama District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, said Police statement released on June 28, reports The Indian Express. Read less...

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (UMHA) has handed over the investigation into the attack on the Jammu Air Force Station in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), reports Hindustan Times on June 29. Two Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were injured during the blasts that occurred on June 27. A case has already been filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The initial investigation conducted by J&K Police indicated the role of Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the drone attack. Police and other security agencies are working together with Indian Air Force (IAF) officials to find out the motive behind the drone attack, said Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh Read less...

Indian Army jawan (trooper) was injured in encounter with militants during a search operation near the Line of Control (LoC) in Dadal village of Beripattan in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India during the intervening night of June 29-30, reports Daily Excelsior. The hiding militants fired upon the Trooper and started the encounter and escaped taking advantage of darkness. Security Forces (SFs) have sounded an alert and intensified the vehicle checking in Sunderbani, Noweshera and Kalakote areas all in Rajouri District of J&K. Read less...

On June 29, Police spotted and seized a drone over Dal Lake in Srinagar District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India, reports Greater Kashmir. The security of vital installations has been increased and troops are alerted at Line of Control (LoC). Police, Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indian Air Force have recently reviewed the drone threat, said Inspector General of Police (IG), Kashmir Vijay Kumar Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) spotted a drone at Kunjwani, Sunjwan and Kaluchak near Sunjwan military station in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 29, reports India Today. However, the drone could not be traced after some time. Earlier, Indian Army personnel have spotted and fired at two drones on a stretch of the Kaluchak-Purmandal road near Kaluchak military camp in Jammu District on June 28. Read less...

Three drones were separately spotted by civilians in Kharian area of Miran Sahib, Kaluchak area and Kunjwani area all falling under Jammu District of J&K during intervening night of June 29-30, reports India TV. Security Forces (SFs) launched a search operation in Jammu after these drones were spotted. Read less...

Two Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants, including one ‘commander’, identified as Nadeem Abrar Bhat alias Khalid and his associate, an un-named Pakistani national were killed and three Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were also injured during an exchange of fire with Security Forces (SFs) in Malhoora Parimpora area in Srinagar City of Srinagar District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 29, reports India Today. SFs have recovered several incriminating materials, including two AK-47 rifles and ammunition from the location. Nadeem was involved in several killings and was acting as the ‘commander’ of LeT in Central Kashmir and was active since 2018, said Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar. Nadeem figured in the wanted militant list released by Police in March 2021, adds Greater Kashmir Read less...

District Administration of Rajouri District in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India banned the storage, sale, possession, use and transport of drones or any flying objects as a precautionary step against drone activities in J&K on June 30, reports Times of India. The order issued by District Magistrate (DM) states that it has been observed that the anti-national elements are using drones and flying objects to cause damage, injury and risk to the human lives in certain parts of the Union Territory of J&K Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) comprising of Police, Indian Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) killed three Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM) militants identified as Zakir Nayak of Chimmer in Kulgam District, Waseem Bangroo of Redwani in Kulgam District and Shahnawaz Bashir Lone of Shopian District during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) at Chimmer village of Damhal Hanjipora in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on June 30, reports Daily Excelsior. During the encounter, two Indian Army personnel were injured and taken to Army hospital for treatment. SFs have recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pistol and AK rounds from the location. Read less...

Security Forces (SFs) spotted and reported a suspicious drone activity in Pargwal area of Akhnoor along International Border (IB) in Jammu District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in India on July 30 and launched search operations in Samba District and Pargwal in Akhnoor of Jammu District, reports Greater Kashmir Read less...

Special Judge of National Investigation Agency (NIA) Sunit Gupta framed charges against four Hizb-ul -Mujahideen (HM) militants identified as Nisar Ahmed Sheikh, Nisar Ahmed Butt, Azad Hussain Bagwan and Rustam Ali Bagwan for killing Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) leader, Anil Parihar and his brother Ajeet Parihar on June 30, reports Daily Excelsior. The BJP leader and his brother were killed on November 1, 2018 in Kishtwar District of J&K. Read less...