Security forces arrested a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant allegedly involved in a recent attack on a non-local worker in south Kashmir, officials said on Monday.
The arrest was made during a joint operation by Awantipora Police, the Army’s 42 Rashtriya Rifles, and CRPF’s 180 Battalion in the Pinglish area of Tral. The militant, identified as Irshad Ahmad Chopan, a resident of Lurgam Tral, was apprehended from an orchard.
Police said incriminating materials, including arms and ammunition, were recovered from Chopan’s possession. The recoveries included a pistol, two magazines, and 18 live rounds.
“ Preliminary investigation reveals that he has been involved in terror-related activities in South Kashmir range,” police said, adding that he was involved in an attack on a nonlocal labourer Shubam Kumar of Bijnor UP, on November 24, in the Batagund area of Tral.
Soon after the attack, police registered a case under sections 16 of ULAP Act 7/27 of IA Act and 109 BNS at Police Station Tral and started an investigation.
The investigation into the attack and the suspect’s broader involvement in militant activities is ongoing, officials said.