‘Hybrid Terrorist’ Held as Terror Module Unearthed in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara
SRINAGAR: Security forces have busted a terror module allegedly being operated by an ex-terrorist in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Wednesday.
Acting on reliable information, police in Handwara initiated an operation to track the activities of an ex-terrorist who was allegedly working as a “hybrid terrorist” for a module linked to the banned Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) outfit in the Handwara-Kupwara area, a police spokesperson said.
The term “hybrid terrorist” is used by security agencies for individuals who are not formally listed as terrorists but have been radicalised and are allegedly assigned specific tasks by their handlers. After carrying out such activities, they may return to their routine lives, making them more difficult for security agencies to identify and track.
Police said the information received in Handwara pointed to the ex-terrorist’s involvement in the activities of the Hizbul Mujahideen module operating in the region.
Security forces subsequently launched action to dismantle the network and prevent its activities from being carried out in the area.
The development comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to identify and neutralise underground terror networks and their local support structures in Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials have increasingly focused on “hybrid” operatives, who can operate without attracting the attention generally associated with known or listed militants. Such individuals can allegedly be used by terror groups for specific assignments, including logistical or other support activities.
The police operation in Kupwara is part of ongoing counter-terror efforts in north Kashmir, where security agencies have been maintaining heightened vigilance against attempts by militant organisations to revive their networks.
Further details regarding the identity of the accused, the specific activities allegedly assigned to him and any recoveries made during the operation were not immediately available.
Police said further investigation into the case is underway.
