Delhi Police arrests wanted Hizbul operative

Javaid Matoo was wanted in multiple terrorism-related cases in Jammu and Kashmir, according to police.

New Delhi: Suspected Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Javed Mattu, dubbed an ‘A++’ category operative involved in at least 11 terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh, was arrested in the national capital on Thursday, police said.

A 9 mm Star pistol with six live cartridges, one extra magazine, and a stolen Santro car were allegedly seized from him. 

Mattu (32) was apprehended following investigations into an input that "a dreaded and wanted terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir" will come to National Capital Region to collect arms and ammunition at the behest of ISI, Special Commissioner (Special Cell) HGS Dhaliwal said.

The intelligence input also suggested that 32-year-old Mattu's Pakistan-based handler Abdul Majid Jarger would be coordinating the delivery of arms and ammunition and the former is tasked with carrying out "some audacious" terror strikes in Jammu and Kashmir and another place, he said.

According to police, he is involved in five grenade attacks, one IED blast, killing of five police personnel and causing injuries to dozens of police personnel and citizens.

The only surviving 'A++' category terrorist, he was evading arrest for the past 13 years. After getting injured in an exchange of fire with security forces, Dhaliwal said he went underground and fled to Nepal on the instructions of ISI. 

Dhaliwal said he is presently part of a seven-member gang of terrorists of Hizbul Mujahideen operating in North Kashmir, particularly in Sopore.

His handler Jarger, who is presently in Pakistan, is one of the seven members of the gang who managed finances and logistics, including the procurement of weapons from ISI handlers across the border. Abdul Qayyum Nazar was the operational-in-charge and was killed in a gun battle with security forces while Tarik Ahmed Lone died by drowning when he jumped into the river after being cornered by security forces.

Other gang members Imtiyaz Kundu fled to Pakistan in 2015-16 and is currently operating with Jarger while Mehraj Halwai and Waseem Guru were killed in encounters.