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Hizbul module linked to longest-surviving elusive militant busted

Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Ikhlaq Ahmad Khanday and Towseef ul Nabi, all hailing from Kishtwar district, were arrested during a surprise check by a police naka party at Bemina Bypass crossing in the outskirts of Srinagar.

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Mystery behind the 'elusive' militant may finally be unraveled as Jammu and Kashmir police have busted a Hizbul Mujahideen module which is linked to state's longest surviving militant Jahangir Saroori, who is on the run for the last 27 years.

Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Ikhlaq Ahmad Khanday and Towseef ul Nabi, all hailing from Kishtwar district, were arrested during a surprise check by a police naka party at Bemina Bypass crossing in the outskirts of Srinagar.

Police said they recovered two pistols, two magazines, 20 rounds, four grenades, wireless set and a packet of explosive substance from their possession.

"During preliminary investigation it surfaced that the trio was working with Jahangir Saroori, an active militant in Kishtwar. Police have registered a case under section 7/25 Arms Act, 3/5 Explosive Substance Act against these militants and further investigations are on," said a police spokesman.

Saroori, who has been evading arrest for the last 27 years, has earned a dubious distinction of being the longest surviving militant in J&K. He is believed to be operating in the upper reaches of Dachan-Marwah in Kishtwar district of Jammu division.

Police and other security agencies have been looking for him since 1990. Security forces had come close to nab him in 2009 when they arrested his close aide. But Saroori proved elusive and melted away in the forests of Dachan Marwah.

Sources said Saroori had crossed into Pakistan for arms training in 1989-90. After his return he became quite active in Chenab valley. His cover was blown in 1992 when he came on the radar of security forces. Since then he is evading arrest.

What complicated the problem for the security forces was that they were having only old pictures of Saroori, when he was a young militant. "Twenty seven years is too long a time. He might be 52 plus now, and we don't know how he looks," said an officer.

Rumours about Saroori have been coming thick and fast for the last few years. Some reports said he was ill and had left militancy quietly. Some said he might have crossed to Pakistan to evade arrest. There were even reports that he might have died due to illness. Nothing has been confirmed so far, said sources.

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