Hizbul recruiting module busted in Kashmir: Police

Security forces Tuesday busted a Hizb-ul-Mujahideen militant module, luring youths to militancy, by arresting three overground workers (OGWs) of the outfit in north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

A police spokesperson said two Chinese pistols recovered from their possession after they were apprehended by a joint team of police, Army’s 29 Rashtriya Rifles and paramilitary CRPF at a joint naka (checkpost) at Behrampora-Tilgam crossing in Baramulla.

He identified the arrested as Waseem Mir, Umer Rather, and Akif Rather, all residents of Baramulla. “On sustained questioning, the trio admitted that they are working for Hizbul Mujahideen outfit and were motivating young boys into militancy. These individuals have been long time conduits of militants in north Kashmir playing a major role in enticing young boys to join militancy,” the spokesperson claimed.

He said the network was being spearheaded by Hizbul commander Parvez Wani alias Mubashir, resident of Galoora Handwara. According to official data, over 1800 OGWs are active in different parts of the State with maximum presence in Sopore, Awantipora, Handwara and Pulwama areas of the valley.

"For every active militant in Kashmir, there are 10 OGWs lined up by their mentors. OGWs are sustaining militancy and militants act on the advice and orders of their mentors and OGWs. If OGWs withdraw their support, militants will be sitting ducks. OGWs have been line up in such a manner that they help and guide the militants to our disadvantage," a senior police officer said.

Earlier, militants on Monday night attacked an army patrol in Drabgam village of south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pulwama Choudary Aslam said that army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles patrolling party was fired upon by militants at Drabgam.

The fire was retaliated, however, there was no injury on the either side, the SSP said and added that a massive hunt has been launched to nab the militants.