SRINAGAR: National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday produced a chargesheet against five persons, which included 3 Pakistan-based LeT handlers, in a case related to attacks in January 2023 in Rajouri district.

“Pushing ahead with its efforts to destroy and dis ismantle the terrorist ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday charge-sheeted five accused, including three absconding Pakistan-based handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit, in the Rajouri attacks case of January 2023,” reads a statement issued to GNS.

“The case RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, relates to a heinous terror attack on civilians at village Dhangri, District Rajouri on 1st January 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. Seven innocent people, including two children, were killed and several others severely injured in the attacks,” reads the statement.

“Three of chargesheeted individuals are LeT handlers, identified as Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt @ Ali @ Habibullah @ Numan @ Langda @ Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal @ Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajit Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had exfiltrated to Pakistan sometime around 2002 and had joined the LeT terrorist ranks there.”

 “As per investigations, the trio had orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks were carried out under the directions of these Pakistan-based handlers,” reads the statement.

“Saifullah @ Sajid Jutt is currently a highly placed LeT Commander, and was responsible for engineering the overall conspiracy from Pakistan, along with the other two. Mohd Qasim is presently the right hand of highly placed LeT Commanders. Abu Qatal had come to India in 2002-03 and was active in the Poonch-Rajouri range, along with other terrorists.”

“The other two charge-sheeted accused are Nisar Ahmed @ Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain @ Chacha, both Overground workers (OGWs) of the LeT and are residents of Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch. The duo was arrested during the course of the investigations by the NIA,” reads the statement.

“It was found during investigations that they had provided logistical support to the terrorists on the directions of Abu Qatal. Along with a juvenile, who was also apprehended for aiding and abetting the perpetrators, they had provided food, shelter, and other types of logistics support to the terrorists for approximately three months following the attack in Dhangri. They had also attempted to conceal evidence by destroying the mobile phone used for clandestine communication with the Pakistan-based LeT commanders,” reads the statement.

“Nisar had also received consignment of arms, ammunition and cash sent by the Pakistan based handlers for the terrorists.  Investigations have revealed that Nisar had come in contact with Abu Qatal during the latter’s stay in India. He had remained in touch with Abu Qatal even after the latter’s return to Pakistan.”

“In the Chargesheet filed today, the two arrested adult accused and the Pak-based handlers have been charged under UA(P) Act and various sections of IPC. The Final Report against the apprehended juvenile will be submitted to the Hon’ble Juvenile Justice Board, Rajouri in due course,” reads the statement further. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: Director General of J&K Police Dilbag Singh on Thursday said Pakistan is trying to push as many militants to this side before the infiltrating routes are closed due to snowfall on the Line of Control (LoC).

“The militants who are waiting on launching pads in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) are being pushed to this side from Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla and Kupwara by the agencies from across the border”, the police chief told media persons in Jammu Kashmir's Kupwara district on Thursday.
“Our forces have foiled almost all infiltration bids from across the border and about 40 militants who tried to infiltrate to this side got killed so far”, he added.

He said by and large their efforts of infiltrating to this side have failed, but few managing to sneak are being killed in encounters elsewhere.

“The infiltration bids being made by the Pakistan agencies from across the border to push militants to this side of the border are being curbed and defeated jointly by our Security forces in successful operations,” he said.

He said the infiltration bids are being carried out by the agencies from across the border to push the militants to this side before the routes get closed due to snowfall.
Giving details of Thursday's infiltration bid made by the militants in the Machil sector in the Kupwara district, DGP said the area falls across the Line of Control Kupwara where militant training camps exist.

He said there are about 16 launching pads where militant activities in POK are going on and the terrorists waiting for an opportunity to infiltrate this side.

He said the number of militants has remained very less now.
"People are feeling a sigh of relief and living peacefully besides helping the administration in development after militants are cleansed from the soil," he said
(UNI)

SRINAGAR: At least two Border Security Forces’ personnel were injured after Pakistan Rangers opened fire in Arnia sector in Samba district, officials said on Tuesday evening.

The officials told GNS that Pakistan Rangers fired some rounds towards this side on BSF personnel of 120 Battalion manning the border. “In the incident, two personnel identified as Surjit Vishwas and Alok suffered injuries”, they said. 

“The duo was taken to GMC Jammu, where their condition couldn’t be known immediately”, they said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Army on Friday claimed to have apprehended one Pakistani resident along the line of control LOC in Poonch district.

Reliable sources told Srinagar-based news agency Kashmir Scroll that during the night, Army's 16 Gharwal unit apprehended one Pakistani resident,who tried to cross the line along the line of control LOC in the Poonch sector.

They said more details will be shared later after proper investigation. (KS)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh on Thursday said that Pakistan is the main source of militancy and J&K Police along with other security forces are committed to neutralise and uproot militancy from the Union Territory.

“Successful operations were conducted and will continue to eliminate the remnants of militancy,” said the J&K Police chief speaking to media during his visit to the SKPA Udhampur and Subsidiary Training Center (STC) Talwara in Reasi district.

He said that the presence of a number of active militants have decreased, efforts are on to finish the remaining, adding, “the security grid on the borders and within the hinterlands is alert and active to thwart nefarious designs of Pakistan backed anti national elements.”

The DGP said that with the day in and day out efforts of Jammu Kashmir Police and sacrifices of our fallen heroes, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are enjoying normal life, students are attending schools and other business activities are going on in full swing without any fear.

The bandh call culture has ended completely, he added. He said that the gallant efforts of Jammu and Kashmir Police are being appreciated and acknowledged at every forum of the country adding that he feels proud leading this brave force.

He said the people of Jammu and Kashmir want peace and they have understood the criminal folly of Pakistan which is trying to instigate the youth against their own people.

“Focus on your work, don’t worry about people who would try to bring you down, you are now part of a force which has an unparalleled legacy of martyrdom,” said DGP addressing 65 DySsP trainees at Sher-e-Kashmir Police Academy Udhampur.

He said that the atmosphere of training institutes rejuvenates personnel adding that training period is missed by all personnel throughout their life. Revisiting his previous postings, the DGP said that all personnel consider training institutes wherever they train their second home.

Advising to train hard & learn as much as one can, the DGP said, “Focus on your work and don’t bother about those people who would try to bring you down”. Paying tribute to the martyrs of J&K Police, the DGP said to trainees that 'you are now part of a force which has an unparalleled legacy of martyrdom.

Referring to the Kokernag encounter, the DGP said that we have to work on how to respond better so that loss of security forces lives is avoided.

Sharing his past experiences, Singh said as you will progress in life you will remember your previous stints, saying that all you have to do is to work with passion, dedication and professionally adding that you have to have synergy, camaraderie with your jawans and colleagues besides with other forces.

Referring to the areas where there was no Police presence previously, the DGP said that during the last few years we have tested ourselves to the optimum and have overcome obstacles resulting in the changed situation adding that J&K Police along with other security forces are holding ground and have control over all the areas.

He said that we have ensured that rule of law is applied to stone pelters and instigators whoever they may be.

Urging trainees to ensure holding of the ground, the DGP said that we have to deal with anti national and anti social elements strictly while taking care of the common people.

He said that in a region where terror used to prevail, JKP alongwith SFs ensured security and safety of common people whose support & cooperation is utmost important for the UT's peace.

He emphasized upon trainees to develop compassion as an essential element for their own personnel and for the people we serve adding that Police officers should be confident about their efforts and intentions and taking decisions on ground in the interest of the administration.

Regarding the training of personnel the DGP said that Police Headquarters is more focused providing specialized courses on cyber crime investigation & counter measures & tactical aspects. Directing for organising modules on specialized crimes, the DGP said that more specialized training courses are the need of the hour for cracking the modern cyber crimes. He advised for learning basic investigation skills for improving conviction rate of NDPS & UAPA cases.

He exhorted lady officers to strive for studying cyber crime, crime against women and children. He emphasized upon officers to be tech savvy while exploring technologies in policing methods for solving problems.

At STC Talwara addressing the darbar of Border Battalion trainees, the DGP directed that while providing training to these trainees special focus has to be on the modern day challenges on borders viz narco-terrorism, infiltration, drone droppings etc. besides training them how to protect the people during any emergency on borders.

He said that these trainees should be exposed to the modern day tools used to monitor the situation and other activities on borders.

While complimenting the officers & staff of these training institutes, the DGP directed for providing best training courses to the trainees and assured that all possible assistance will be provided by the PHQ. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police, J&K, Dilbag Singh on Wednesday said that the cooperation and support of the people on the anti-terror front has been overwhelming and police have been moving forward successfully and are very close to realizing the terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a public darbar at Bani in Kathua District of Jammu Zone, Singh accompanied by ADGP Jammu, Mukesh Singh and IGP (Hqrs/CIV) B.S Tuti, the DGP thanked the people for their participation and assured them that their highlighted grievances would be taken up with concerned authorities for redressal.

He cautioned them about the conspiracy being made by some elements to revive terror activities in the district and said that like in the past, we have to work together to foil their ill intentions.

“We have been moving forward successfully and are very close to realizing the terror-free Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

He appreciated the people for maintaining the highest level of brotherhood in the district.

Recalling his posting as DIG JSK, the DGP said that the cooperation and support of the people on the anti-terror front has been overwhelming.

When peace is around everything looks fine, he said and added that public support was of utmost importance in strengthening the peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir.

With regard to the welfare measures of Police Pariwar, Singh said that welfare of Jawans and officers has always been the priority of PHQ and said that every possible help and assistance is being provided to our Jawans and officers including SPOs and NOK of martyrs.

At Sarthal the DGP and other officers interacted with the Police Post and Special Operation Group personnel.

Later during his visit to Gandoh in Doda district, the DGP inaugurated the newly constructed Police Station building and SDPO office.

Soon after the inauguration of these facilities, the DGP inspected the building infrastructure. He interacted with the officers and jawans of the Police Station.

He also took stock of the functioning of the Police Station and checked the crime records.

He directed for speedy redressal of the public grievances/complaints and prompt police action in case of any untoward incident or any kind of emergency.

He reiterated the commitment of J&K Police for protection of life and property of the public and stressed upon the officers to work in tandem with the people for peace and stability in the area.

Speaking to the media, the DGP said that the visit was aimed to review the crime scenario of the Bani area and to interact with the locals. He said that the overall situation of the Kathua District is peaceful yet J&K Police and other security forces are keeping a strong vigil as the district is connected with other districts of UT and Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

“Pakistan and its agencies are frustrated by witnessing growing peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir and are continuously making attempts to create disturbance here,” he said and added that together we would foil the evil designs as has been done before.

At Gandoh, he said that Pakistan and its agencies have been using Narco-terrorism in J&K for the last around two years to target our younger generation and to raise funds for terrorist activities.

He added that during these two years a number of Narco-terrorism modules have been busted and said that around 20 cases of this nature are under investigation which shows the involvement of terrorists and their handlers.

He said strong action is being taken against the anti-national elements who are operating at the behest of handlers from across the border to destabilize the peace and tranquillity of J&K. Massive crackdown has been launched against those elements, he added. Referring to the 119 proclaimed offenders of the area who are in Pakistan, the DGP said that every action will be taken against them adding that they are not wanted by the Police only but by the people also for their betrayal. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh on Thursday said as militancy was on its deathbed in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan was luring youths towards drugs.

He said Pakistan is following “Punjab model” in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Pakistan is following the Punjab model to lure Jammu and Kashmir’s younger generation towards drugs as terrorism is on its deathbed”, DGP Singh told media persons after inaugurating the J&K Police Martyrs’ Football Tournament in Srinagar on Monday.

He said when terrorism ended in Punjab, youth and people were lured towards drugs. While terrorism vanished in Punjab, drugs remained there to destroy the generations. Same model is being followed in J&K by Pakistan, he added.
Singh said conspiracies are being hatched against the J&K youth from across as consignments of drugs continue to infiltrate into this side.

He said last year, J&K police destroyed 8000 kgs of drugs and registered 2000 cases. “Some 3000 people were arrested and many of them under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) act,” the DGP said.
Militancy is on its deathbed in Jammu and Kashmir but efforts from across are on to hook youth towards drugs, he said.

“Terrorism is elusive like a Jinn in Jammu and Kashmir. Sometimes appearing here and sometimes there”, DGP said and added “that peace is moving forward ahead of terrorism”.
Singh said a peaceful environment is prevailing in J&K at present as stones lying on the roads are being used for the construction of buildings and streets. “Stones are no longer used to bruise or hurt anyone,” he said.

Replying to a query about Amarnath Yatra, the DGP said that pilgrimage is going on smoothly and so far more than 3 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan. “The pilgrims are coming to Srinagar as well and visiting other places of Kashmir to enjoy the beauty of the Valley,” he said.

The J&K police Chief said that they have made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the Muharram procession of the Shia community.
“There shouldn’t be any sectarian rift as all festivals and religious obligations are equally important and sacred. We are cooperating with the Shia community and will ensure peaceful Muharram processions,” he said.

He said that almost 46 teams will participate in the J&K police martyrs football tournament. “For the first time, four women teams will participate in the tournament. These events help display the skills and also help teams exchange their culture and thoughts,” the DGP added. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Rebuffing Pakistan’s objections to New Delhi hosting G20 events in Srinagar and Leh, India on Thursday said that holding G20 events in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is very natural as they are an integral and inalienable part of India.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, answering a query at a briefing today, said:
“G20 events are taking place across India; they are being organised in every region of the country. The holding of G20 events in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is very natural as they are an integral and inalienable part of India.”
India’s response came as Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday expressed “strong indignation” after India updated its G20 calendar to include meetings in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir and Leh in Ladakh.
India will be hosting a G-20 Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar on May 22-24, while two other meetings of a consultative forum on youth affairs (Y-20) will be held in Leh and Srinagar.
Pakistan’s MFA said that the “irresponsible move” by India is the “latest in a series of self-serving measures to perpetuate its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir in sheer disregard of the UN Security Council resolutions and in violation of the principles of the UN Charter and international law”. (UNI)