Jammu, Feb 14: Police on Sunday claimed to have averted a major tragedy was arresting a nursing student from Pulwama along a non-activated Improvised Explosive Device weighing 6-6.50 kilograms in Jammu.
Addressing reporters here, IGP Jammu Mukesh Singh also claimed that three persons have been arrested in connection with the alleged plot.
“In wake of the specific information that militants were planning a major strike on the anniversary of Pulwama attack, the security establishment was on high alert. Last night, during searches at B. C. Road Jammu, a youth namely Suhail Bashir Shah son of Bashir Ahmad Shah of Newa Pulwama who was moving in a suspicious manner was arrested,” he said, adding, “He was carrying a bag and upon its searches, 6-6.50 kilograms of non-activated IED was recovered.”
The IGP said that the conspiracy was to target vital installations of Jammu and upon investigation it was revealed that Suhail, a nursing college student at Chandigarh, was tasked to carry a major strike in the winter capital of the J&K by his handlers from across the border. “As part of the plot, Shah had reached Jammu from Chandigarh and was planning to carry out an attack on 14 February at the behest of Pakistani handler. After carrying out the IED blast he was supposed to reach Srinagar and join the militant organization Al-Badr as its active member. He was to be received by one Ather Shakeel Khan alias Ubaid Ullah of Newa Pulwama.”
Upon further investigation and on his disclosure, one more of his associates Abid Nabi alias Sehran from Budgam has been also arrested from Srinagar. Besides, he said, one more youth, Qazi Wasim alias Qazi was apprehended at Chandigarh as he knew about the plan.
“Initial investigation further revealed the conspiracy of the militant outfit was to target important installations of Jammu.”
He said that an FIR No 05/2021 U/S 18/23/38 ULA 3/4 ESA & 120.B has been registered in Police Station Bus Stand and further investigation was taken up. The IGP however did not reveal where Suhail got the IED.
