New terrorist organization under Lashkar-e-Taiba rooted out; seven arrested in lightning action by Jammu and Kashmir Police

SRINAGAR: The counter-intelligence wing of the state police has cracked down on the new terror outfit under the aegis of Lashkar-e-Taiba( LeT) which had established a base in Jammu and Kashmir. Seven people were taken into custody in a lightning operation conducted at around 10 centres, including their recruitment headquarters. A laptop, mobile phones and several SIMs were also seized.

The outfit started its operations under the name 'Tehreek Labaik Ya Muslim' based in Pakistan in Poonch district. Lashkar commander Baba Hamas is the head of the outfit.

The police's blow is coming after the Resistance Front, another outfit under the Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for Sunday's attack in the Ganderbal district in which a doctor and six migrant labourers were killed. Raids were conducted at several places including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag and Pulwama.

Master mind, Baba Hamas

'Baba Hamas' is a well-known Lashkar commander with links to international terror networks. He handles infiltration, funding and recruitment in connection with the new organisation.

Many of the attacks are now carried out under the auspices of shadow organisations arranging indigenous youth locally. Shadow groups linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed such as Kashmir Tigers and People's Anti-Fascist Front are among them. As it is difficult to overcome India's security, the current practice is to hide in the forest, come out and attack and flee.

Joining hands with China?

This is the time when India and China have reached an agreement to withdraw troops from both sides of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and restore patrolling. Following the attack the other day, the People's Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a Pakistan-based terror outfit, issued a statement that also mentioned China. They congratulated the TRF for carrying out the attack in Ganderbal and claimed to have killed seven people through a Chinese angle.

"This is an attack aimed at disrupting Indian military deployment to the eastern border which is contrary to the interests of us and our Chinese friends," the statement said. However, there is no evidence of China's role.

"The primary objective was to neutralise the recruitment module, which was actively involved in mobilising youth for terrorist activities."

- Jammu and Kashmir Police