J&K: ‘Hybrid Terrorist’ Arrested as Terror Module Busted in Kupwara

Srinagar, Sep 9: Security forces on Wednesday busted a terror module allegedly operated by an ex-terrorist and arrested a suspected “hybrid terrorist” in Handwara area of Kupwara district, police said.

Police in Handwara had received reliable information about the activities of an ex-terrorist who was allegedly operating as a “hybrid terrorist” for a module linked to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in the Handwara-Kupwara area, a police spokesperson said.

Acting on the information, security forces launched an operation at the identified location in Handwara town. Following a security drill, the accused was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Kruhmura Handwara, the spokesperson said.

A Chinese pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession, police said.

A “hybrid terrorist” is generally described as an unlisted, radicalised individual who carries out specific subversive or violent tasks assigned by handlers before returning to normal civilian life.

According to police, Bhat is an ex-terrorist who had previously been arrested in two cases.

A fresh case has been registered against him at Handwara police station under relevant provisions, and an investigation has been launched to determine the full extent of the terror module, its network and other associated activities, police said. (Agencies)