Srinagar: Security forces arrested eight suspected militant associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Jammu and Kashmir border area of Uri in Baramulla district.

Senior Superintendent of Police Baramulla, Amod Nagpure said the accused from various areas of the district were involved in cross border smuggling of arms and ammunition at the behest of Pakistan based terror handlers and its further distribution to LeT terrorists for carrying out terror activities.

He said joint forces busted two modules of the group in Uri area in separate operations.

Giving details, police said on August 8, joint forces of Baramulla Police and Army's 16 SIKHLI during patrolling and area domination at Churunda Uri noticed one suspected person who was roaming in the area.

“He tried to flee while noticing the patrolling party and was apprehended tactfully,” police said.

During his personal search, two grenades were recovered from him and he was taken into custody. He was later identified as Showkat Ali Awan of Churunda Uri.

“During further questioning he revealed the names of his accomplices Ahmad Din of Churunda Uri and Mohammad Sadeeq Khatana of Churunda who were questioned and upon their disclosure two grenades, a Chinese Pistol, a Pistol Magazine & four live rounds were recovered from them,” police said.

In a separate operation, on August 11, joint forces of Baramulla Police & Army's 16 SIKHLI during naka checking at Powarian Thajal Uri signaled one vehicle Maruti Swift bearing number CHOID-9588 to stop, who was coming from Thajal to Uri.

“The vehicle was stopped however the driver and other four persons boarding the vehicle insisted the naka party to allow them to proceed to the hospital due to certain medical emergencies upon which the naka party felt suspicious about them.

The Naka party immediately started search of the vehicle and during the search four hand grenades, 2 pistols, 2 pistol Magazines, 10 live rounds & cash 50K was recovered,” police said.

Police said the car inmates were taken into custody immediately, who were later identified as Akhter Bhat of Tarzoo Sopore, Mohammad Aslam Khatana of Churunda Uri, Muneer Ahmad of Jabla Uri, Mudasir Yousuf Gokno of Krankshivan and Bilal Ahmad Dar of Hardushiva.

Police said cases under Indian Arms Act & UA (P) Act were registered in Police Station Uri and further investigation is underway.

(With UNI inputs)