J-K: Three suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba associates arrested in connection with Srinagar grenade attack

J-K News: In a significant breakthrough, security forces have apprehended three alleged associates of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror organization, suspected of involvement in a grenade attack in Srinagar. The suspects, identified as Usama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh, all residents of Srinagar’s Ikhrajpora area, were arrested on Friday. This development, confirmed by Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, V.K. Birdi, brings new insights into the recent attack that left a dozen civilians injured.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The grenade attack, which occurred on Sunday, targeted security personnel stationed near a weekly flea market in Srinagar. According to reports, grenades were hurled from a nearby flyover, aiming at security forces, but instead, they exploded near a paramilitary vehicle, injuring 12 civilians in the area. Following the incident, law enforcement agencies swiftly launched an investigation, resulting in the arrest of the three suspects. The police believe that the suspects operated under the instructions of terror handlers based in Pakistan who sought to disrupt the region’s peace.

Police Response and Ongoing Investigation

Inspector General V.K. Birdi confirmed that the case has been solved with the arrests, attributing the incident to directives from terror operators in Pakistan. The three suspects face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), as law enforcement agencies continue to investigate further connections and potential threats. Birdi stated that authorities remain vigilant, committed to safeguarding the region, and are closely monitoring any suspicious activity tied to terror groups.

Political Reactions: Calls for a Firm Stance

The grenade attack follows a series of recent terror incidents and confrontations in Jammu and Kashmir, notably occurring soon after the state’s first elected government was installed since Article 370’s revocation in 2019. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha issued a stern directive to security forces, encouraging them to take decisive action against terror outfits. “You have full freedom to crush terror outfits and leave no stone unturned to complete this mission,” Sinha declared.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah condemned the attack, describing it as a coordinated attempt to disrupt regional stability. Abdullah emphasized the importance of robust security measures, pointing to an upsurge in militant activities since the government’s formation after the recent assembly elections. “This proves that militancy is still there in the valley… the Central government has the entire law and order and security apparatus in its hand. We call for strict action,” Abdullah asserted.