2 Lashkar aides arrested in Shopian

SRINAGAR: The J&K Police on Tuesday arrested two associates of terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba in South Kashmir’s Shopian district even as Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla chaired a high-level security review meeting here to take stock of the security scenario in the Valley ahead of the upcoming G-20 meeting to be held from May 22-24.

During the course of investigation of a case, the police along with Army (44 RR) and CRPF (14 Bn) arrested the two Lashkar associates identified as Shahid Ahmad Lone, a resident of Chotipora in Shopian, and Waseem Ahmad Ganie of Borihalan in Shopian.

A police spokesman stated that incriminating materials and a cache of arms and ammunition, including a pistol, a pistol magazine, four pistol rounds, one IED, a remote control and an empty magazine of AK 47 rifle, were recovered on the disclosure made by the duo.

Meanwhile, Bhalla and Intelligence Bureau (IB) director Tapan Deka reviewed the security preparation for the G-20 events later this month. The high-level delegation took stock of the security preparation for the G-20 meeting for which international delegates will be in the Valley from May 22-24.

Bhalla and Deka met top functionaries of the J&K administration, police, Army and other security agencies and reviewed security arrangements. G-20 delegates are expected to visit Gulmarg and a few other tourist places, besides Srinagar, as part of the meeting, sources said.

The recent two major terror attacks in Rajouri and Poonch have given clear signals that elements inimical to the nation may try to disrupt the G-20 meeting, sources added.

Therefore, NSG commandos are likely to protect the places that the international delegates will visit, while Indian Navy’s Marcos commandos are expected to be deployed in Dal Lake and other water bodies in the Valley, they said.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss daily games like Crossword, Sudoku, and Mini Crossword.