Jammu & Kashmir Police Arrest Key Terror Facilitator in Kishtwar Crackdown

Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a man accused of providing logistical and operational support to foreign terrorists operating in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district. The arrest was made late Tuesday, officials said.

The accused, identified as Mohammed Rafiq Naik, a resident of Dwather in Singhpur, was functioning as the main handler of the Saifullah group in Chatroo, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar Naresh Singh. He is alleged to have actively assisted a group of foreign terrorists operating in the region.

Police described the arrest as a significant success in the ongoing crackdown against terrorism in the area. The arrest came during investigations into a First Information Report (FIR) registered at Chatroo Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), and the Arms Act.

SSP Singh said that sustained probe and targeted operations led police to Naik for his alleged role in facilitating terrorist activities. He added that investigations are continuing to identify and dismantle the entire support network.

This arrest is part of a series of actions by Kishtwar Police against terror support networks. On June 19, police dismantled a support network by arresting two overground workers, including a forest department employee, who allegedly provided support to local terrorists in Dachan. Earlier, on May 13, a teacher from the school education department was arrested for providing aid to foreign terrorists at a hideout in Singhpora, Chatroo.

Authorities have not provided further details about the specific activities of the Saifullah group or the foreign terrorists involved. The investigation is ongoing.