New Delhi: Nine locals, allegedly part of a module associated with the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, who facilitated infiltration of terrorists from across the border into Jammu, were arrested Monday, the J&K Police said.
Mohammd Lateef, Akhter Ali, Saddam, Kushal, Noorani, Maqbool, Liaquat, Kasim Din and Khadim allegedly played a “crucial role in receiving the foreign terrorists after their illegal entry into India in the Samba-Kathua sector, with the collusion of their handlers across the border,” a J&K Police officer said.
All of them have been booked under the stringent Enemy Agents Ordinance.
The law was brought to tackle foreign fighters and ‘invaders’, especially from Pakistan, who infiltrate and try to disturb and destabilise the government. This, however, is now being used to bring the “agents of the enemy to book”, a source in the security establishment explained. By agents, the law means people who provide logistical support to terrorists and act as their friends, and as enemies of the state, to facilitate their nefarious plans,” the source said.
The module, besides providing initial shelter, food and other minor logistics, was also responsible for guiding the infiltrators to the upper reaches of the mountains and jungles of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda districts around Kailash mountain, which is at the center of tri-junction of these three districts, according to the police.
The operation, the police said, was part of the “ongoing efforts to counter terrorist activities and disrupt the terrorist network.”
According to the J&K Police officer, they received information about the module that played a key role in the recent infiltration that has resulted in increased terrorist activities and terrorist movements in upper reaches of Doda, Udhampur, and Kathua.
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‘More than 50 people questioned’
The members of the module have confirmed that the three terrorists killed at Gandoh encounter had taken their help in hiding and travelling without being detected till they reached the upper reaches, according to the police.
The trio suspected to be involved in the 11 June attack that injured a special police officer (SPO) in Gandoh area, were killed on 26 June. The encounter began after terrorists opened fire at security forces combing the area.
According to police sources, Mohammad Lateef was the kingpin who led the module of eight others.
“He is the kingpin in the whole network of OGWs (over ground workers) in the area. He acted as guide/ logistics, etc for the groups of terrorists passing through the area. He engaged and directed others in their role as guide/food provider in the area,” one of the sources said.
The police said that more than 50 persons living in temporary Dhoks (summer kutcha huts) in the upper reaches and mountains for purposes of grazing of livestock have been investigated for coming in contact with the foreign terrorists.
These people allegedly either provided food, shelter or communication help to the foreign terrorists, and only a few didn’t report to the police. Some have accepted money from the terrorists, the police said.
The officer quoted above said that those who have reported to the police on time are being treated as “innocent”. The liability of others, however, is being examined including prior connection with terrorists and their handlers across.
“Members of the general public, therefore, are requested to inform the police about any contact with terrorists as soon as possible after the terrorists have left. Failure to report besides being a criminal offence is likely to adversely affect the person’s access to government benefits,” the officer said.
In case the locals do not report it to the police, they too can be booked under the Enemy Act, the officer said.
Once booked under this law, there is no appeal and the punishment is either life imprisonment or a death sentence.
“Whoever is an enemy agent or, with intent to aid the enemy, does, or attempts or conspires with any other person to do any act which is designed or likely to give assistance to the military or air operations of the enemy or to impede the military or air operations of Indian forces or to endanger life or is guilty of incendiarism shall be punishable with death or rigorous imprisonment for life or with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years and shall also be liable to fine,” the ordinance reads.
In June, J&K Director General of Police R.R. Swain told ThePrint that it is in the wake of foreign terrorists spreading terrorism in J&K with help from their “agents” — local residents giving them logistical assistance — that this law is being explored and will be used more frequently.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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