Rajouri/Jammu, June 30:
A Pakistani national identified as Mohammed Arif was captured on Sunday near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district while attempting to infiltrate India as a terrorist guide, officials confirmed on Monday.
Arif, in his late 20s and a resident of Datote village in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was leading a group of four Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists when alert Indian Army troops intercepted the group at Hajura post in the Gambhir sector.
While Arif was tactically captured by the Army’s Ace of Spades division, the four accompanying terrorists escaped by leaping off a steep cliff, retreating to the Pakistani side under cover of thick foliage and poor weather conditions. Drone surveillance later revealed a blood trail, indicating the terrorists were injured during their escape.
Arif was found carrying a mobile phone and ₹20,000 in Pakistani currency. During initial interrogation, he admitted to working under the instructions of the Pakistani Army to assist infiltrators and claimed familiarity with the terrain due to his residence near the LoC.
Officials say the captured guide is undergoing in-depth interrogation, and intelligence gained is expected to bolster India’s counter-infiltration grid. The Army emphasized the operation reflects the high level of vigilance, coordination, and readiness of troops deployed along the volatile border.
Due to the proximity of Pakistani posts, Indian forces refrained from opening fire during the operation. The Army reiterated its commitment to foiling all cross-border infiltration attempts and maintaining peace in the region.
