Budgam, May 16 (KDC): In a crackdown against terrorist networks, Budgam Police have arrested three terrorist associates allegedly linked to the proscribed terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
The arrests were made in the Kawoosa Narbal area of Magam, police said. The apprehended individuals have been identified as Muzamil Ahmad and Ishfaq Pandit—both residents of Aglar Pattan—and Muneer Ahmad of Meeripora Beerwah.
According to officials, arms and ammunition, including one pistol and a hand grenade, were recovered from their possession at the time of arrest.
Police have registered a case under FIR No. 66/2025 at Police Station Magam under relevant sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and further investigation is underway.
During the initial probe, it came to light that the trio had been in close contact with active LeT terrorist Aabid Qayoom Lone, son of Abdul Qayoom Lone and a resident of Wussan Pattan. Aabid is believed to have exfiltrated to Pakistan in 2020, where he formally joined the LeT.
Police said the handler, now operating from Pakistan, is actively involved in radicalising youth in the region, motivating them to join terror ranks, and directing local operatives to execute terror-related tasks in the Narbal–Magam belt of Budgam.
The arrested individuals, as per the investigation, were allegedly acting on Lone’s instructions and were working to execute terror plots and lure more youth into militancy.
Authorities stated that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests and recoveries are expected as the probe deepens. (KDC)