SRINAGAR: The state government has foiled what I t described as “a major attempt” by Kashmir “militants” to strike at Srinagar airport by arresting nine police officials so far.
Highly placed official sources said that various groups of Kashmiri militants jointly formed a special squad to take over the vital installations across the Valley, including Srinagar airport. These sources said that during the recent Wullar Lake operation, the Army arrested a head constable of Jammu and Kashmiri police in uniform hailing from Bandipora, along with other militants. He was arrested from Hari Bhatti Island situated in the middle of the lake.
Police sources said that during interrogation the head constable disclosed that he was deputy chief of an underground organization, He also said that some more policemen were in league with him, On his information, security forces, in a surprise raid, arrested nine policemen who were serving in the anti-hijacking squad at Srinagar airport. The police are keeping the whole investigation a highly secret affair. A top police officer said that the militants had planned to lure more policemen who were on duty at Srinagar airport to strike on a major scale. He said “they were giving information to “separatists” about the arrival of VIPs and their information was instrumental in many kidnappings and attempts on lives of senior police and civil officers.” When asked whether more arrests would be made, he said “various agencies are investigating, since it is a serious matter I cannot disclose anything more.” The official also refused to disclose if the militants had any hijacking plans. “I cannot say anything at the moment,” he replied, except that “they have revealed many starting things.” Police sources said some more arrests were in the cards, including that of some senior officers
Article extracted from this publication >> May 22, 1992
