Stolen vehicles may be used in 'militancy' activities: J

Jammu, Mar 24 (UNI) Cautioning people to be more vigilant in taking care of their vehicles, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today said stolen vehicles can be used by ''militants'' and ''anti-social'' elements.

At a press conference here today, Superintendent of Police (SP) Operations, Jammu Mubashir Latifi said according to intelligence reports, stolen vehicles with fake identities and registrations could be used in militant operations.

''Though the vehicle lifter gangs involved in thefts within and outside the state are operational in Jammu and Kashmir, but using these vehicles by some anti-nationals for spreading terror cannot be ruled out,'' Mr Latifi told UNI.

''Taking precautionary measures prior to the forthcoming assembly elections, Amarnath Yatra and Jammu Festival, the police will be acting as watch dogs to trap the network involved in these thefts to avoid any untoward incident,'' the SP said.

Mr Latifi said that eight stolen vehicles were recovered by the police in the past one month out of which two have been handed over to their owners after verification.

''Stolen vehicles having fake registration numbers, which belonged to Punjab and Delhi, have been recovered on specific information but no arrest has been made yet,'' Mr Latifi said asserting, ''the vehicles are being smuggled into the state on the directions of Jammu based kingpins including Murtaza Ahmed Baba of Sopore, Kashmir.'' However, he said that Special Operation Group (SOG) in co-ordination with state police is soon going to launch a drive to aware people in keeping their vehicle secure.

''Directions like clear number plates, no tint glasses, registered documents etc, will be given to the owners,'' the SP Operations said adding, night patrolling and strict vigilance on suspicious movements would be kept by the police.

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