In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Jammu and Kashmir Police have dismantled an interstate module linked to the banned militant organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. They arrested five individuals, including a terrorist who had evaded security forces for 16 years while operating within a cross-state network, finally in Srinagar.
The arrested include Abdullah, also known as Abu Hureira, a long-time fugitive who allegedly remained active within the militant ecosystem for over a decade and a half while establishing operational bases outside Jammu and Kashmir. Another Pakistani terrorist, Usman alias Khubaib, was also taken into custody during the operation conducted jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the central security agencies.
Officials said the operation exposed a structured support network that enabled foreign militants to sustain activities in the Kashmir Valley for years.
Extensive searches across multiple states
As part of the investigation, security agencies conducted coordinated searches at 19 locations spread across Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Haryana. During the raids, investigators recovered material described by officials as incriminating, pointing to an organised network that provided financial and logistical support to militants.
The probe revealed that the network played a key role in sustaining militant operations by facilitating movement, communication, and operational support across state boundaries.
Authorities also found indications that at least one foreign terrorist managed to travel outside the country using forged documents and a false identity with assistance from members of the Lashkar-e-Taiba network operating in other states.
Militants have been active in the Valley for years
According to officials, the two Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated India nearly 16 years ago and remained active across several districts of the Kashmir Valley during this period.
Investigators believe the militants handled and directed around 40 foreign terrorists over the years. Most of these militants were later neutralised by security forces in separate counter-terror operations carried out in the region.
Officials said the dismantling of the network represents a significant disruption of the infrastructure that helped sustain militant activity in the Valley.
Local support network dismantled
Along with the two Pakistani operatives, three residents of Srinagar were also arrested for allegedly acting as overground workers who assisted the militants.
They have been identified as Mohammad Naqeeb Bhat, Adil Rashid Bhat, and Ghulam Mohammad Mir, also known as Mama.
Investigators allege that the three provided shelter, food, and other logistical assistance to the terrorists, enabling them to remain concealed and continue their operations.
Security agencies believe the arrests have broken a crucial support chain that allowed foreign militants to operate within the Valley while maintaining connections outside the region.
Investigation continues
Officials described the operation as a significant setback for the Lashkar-e-Taiba network operating in and around Jammu and Kashmir.
However, investigators said the probe is ongoing as agencies work to trace financial links, communication channels, and possible associates associated with the dismantled module.
At the time of reporting, the authorities ruled out further arrests as the investigation progresses, while security agencies continue efforts to dismantle militant infrastructure and prevent potential terror activities in the region.
