Top HM commander, IED expert arrested, chemical recovered in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 31 (UNI) A top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), an expert in fabricating, planting and detonating Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) was today arrested and about 60 litres deadly liquid explosives recovered by security forces in a joint operation.

The most wanted militant Rayees Ahmad Dar alias Rayees Kachroo alias Mashund, involved in more than 13 major attacks on security forces and others was arrested by the Police and CRPF in a joint operation in south city this morning, Inspector General of Police (IGP) for Kashmir region S M Sahai told reporters this afternoon.

He said on the disclosure of Dar a large cache of arms and ammunition, including three Universal Machine Guns with three magazines, one sniper rifle, one ak rifle, six magazines, 4000 rounds of ammunition, three pistols, three wireless sets, two rocket launcher shells, four shells, four hand grenades, 60 litres of liquid explosive and 25 kg IED were recovered from a hideout at Nanu Batpora.

He said the militant was expert in manufacturing IEDs and was involved in more than 13 major attacks in the valley.

Dar was the brain behind the IED blast in which ten soldiers, including Major Lalit were killed in December 2004 when militants also took away the weapons of the deceased soldiers. He was also behind a blast in which three CRPF jawans were killed at Brah Bandina and IED blast at Kawani Pulwama that left 5 CRPF personnel dead.

Mr Sahai said the liquid explosive recovered from the hideout was similar to liquid which was used in the recent fly-over blast at Jehangir Chowk near here in which one person was killed and 15 wounded.

In reply to a question he said only 5 kg liquid explosive was used in that blast.

When asked if using of liquid explosive by militants was a new strategy adopted by the militants, Mr Sahai said it was used in the past also.

We are conducting tests of the liquid to know what exactly it is, he said.

The IGP said people, who are favouring peace, are not supporting militants.

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