Two Hizb militants arrested in Ramban

Jammu, Feb 14 (PTI) Two Hizbul Mujahideen militantswere arrested by security forces during an operation in Rambandistrict, officials said today.

During a joint operation carried out by securityforces comprising troops of Rashtriya Rifles and JK Police, asurgical strike was launched in the thick Banj forest inBhimdasa area in the district last night, Army officials said.

Two terrorists identified as Mohd Rafiq Chandel andTariq Ahmed were apprehended in the operation, they saidadding the two were allegedly involved in the killing of twoTerritorial Army Jawans in an encounter in Tehsil Gool about amonth back.

The two ultras were planning to visit the house ofanother terrorist in Tariq Ahmed at Banj last night when theywere apprehended.

A huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered fromthem which includes an AK 56 rifle with two magazines and 35rounds of ammunition, they said, adding a Chinese Pistol and amagazine with ammunition, four Chinese grenade and a radio setwere also recovered.

30-year-old Chandel had surrendered on December 27,2007 but rejoined militant ranks on October 10 last year.

20-year-old Ahmed, who was initially teaching in aMadrassa at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, became a part of the militantgroup last year.