Two Lashkar-e-Taiba ‘Hybrid Militants’ Captured in Shopian, Jammu and Kashmir in Major Security Operation
In what officials have described as a significant operational breakthrough, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district successfully apprehended two “hybrid militants” linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The arrests took place during a carefully coordinated cordon and search operation (CASO) on the night of Wednesday, following specific intelligence inputs.
The term “hybrid militants” refers to individuals who are not officially listed as terrorists but are radicalized and trained to carry out terrorist activities while maintaining a façade of normal civilian life.
These individuals can blend into society after committing acts of terror, making them particularly difficult to track and apprehend.
According to officials involved in the operation, the search was launched in the Baskuchan area of Poonch district. Acting on credible intelligence regarding the possible movement of militants in the area, security personnel moved swiftly to cordon off the region.
During the operation, movement was detected in a nearby orchard, which raised immediate suspicion.
Demonstrating tactical precision and strategic planning, the security forces were able to intercept and confront the suspects without triggering an armed engagement.
The prompt and calculated response by the troops led to the surrender of two individuals, who were later identified as Irfan Bashir and Uzair Salam.
Both are believed to have been working covertly for Lashkar-e-Taiba and had been radicalised to an extent that they were ready to execute a terror strike.
Their arrest averted a possible encounter and, more importantly, may have prevented a future terror attack in the region.
Security officials hailed the operation as a major success, particularly in light of the ongoing efforts to curb the rise of hybrid militancy in the Union Territory.
A detailed search of the arrested individuals yielded a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. The items recovered included two AK-56 assault rifles, four magazines, 102 live rounds, two hand grenades, and two pouches likely used for carrying ammunition or other tactical gear.
In addition, Rs 5,400 in cash, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, and an Aadhaar card were found in their possession. These items are now part of the evidence and will play a key role in the ongoing investigation.
Law enforcement authorities have registered a formal case and initiated a comprehensive investigation to determine the full extent of the duo’s involvement with LeT.
Officials are also probing whether the arrested individuals had any local support network or were part of a larger sleeper cell operating in the region.
The incident once again highlights the evolving nature of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, where terrorist groups are increasingly relying on local youth and hybrid operatives to execute their plans.
The security forces remain vigilant and committed to neutralizing such threats while minimizing collateral damage and ensuring civilian safety.
Authorities praised the seamless coordination among intelligence agencies and security forces, which enabled the safe capture of the militants and the recovery of deadly weapons without loss of life.
The operation stands as a testament to the proactive measures being undertaken to maintain peace and stability in the region.
