HM divisional commander nabbed in Rajouri

Jammu, Jul 14 (UNI) In a major breakthrough, police apprehended divisional commander of Hizb-ul-Mujaheedin (HM) and a close accomplice of Sayed Salahuddin, chief, United Jehad Council (UJC), yesterday from Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, official sources here today said.

Based on information about the presence of HM divisional commander, special nakkas were set up by the security forces in the Chingus area of Rajouri district, the sources said.

''In a joint operation, security forces nabbed HM's top militant from Chingus identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat of Doda district, who was leaving the area in a vehicle,'' a senior police official told UNI.

Police recovered one AK 47 rifle, 90 rounds, three magazines and mobile phones from his possession, he added.

However, police sources said the militant was as popular as Mansoor ul Haq, alias Mazam Bhat, in the entire HM outfit. They asserted that ''being a hardcore jehadi, the ultra became a close associate of Sayed Salahuddin, chief, United Jehad Council (UJC) across the border.'' Meanwhile, under sustained questioning, the militant disclosed that he ex-filtrated to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1998 and remained there till 2007.

He got specialised training in handling weapons besides preaching 'jehad' in training camps, the sources added.

UNI VBH AKJ DS1435