Reformed militants in Kashmir return to terrorism

Last month, there was a flurry of activity in Srinagar's security circles. Since the first week of December, Abdul Lateef Khan, a local Janata Dal leader who contested the assembly poll from the Kangan constituency, was reported missing. Lateef had gone out in the morning in his white Maruti Gypsy, never to return again.

Suspecting that this could be the handiwork of militants, the police and the army launched a massive manhunt. The cops drew a blank. The man had simply vanished into thin air.

The mystery was somewhat cleared a week later. The Hizbul Mujahideen, easily the most potent militant outfit operating in the valley, issued a statement claiming that Lateef had joined their organisation along with 50 armed cadres.

That should come as no surprise for the authorities. After all, Lateef Khan, alias Bahadur Khan, was a dreaded militant till he surrendered before the army in 1995. Khan was the deputy chief of the pro-Pakistan Al Baraq and after surrendering, he formed an outfit called the Taliban, which assisted security forces in their offensive against secessionist militants.

Though the police and the administration are desperately trying to portray Lateef's return to the secessionist ranks as an isolated case, the facts are otherwise. Ever since Farooq Abdullah assumed the chief ministership of Jammu and Kashmir in October last year, more and more surrendered militants are joining underground outfits. Intelligence reports say that around 100 militants who had surrendered to the army have taken up arms once again in the last three months.

Consider the following:

At least 27 pro-government militants of an outfit called the Tehreekul Mujahideen went underground last month. Tehreekul Mujahideen sources claimed they brought with them a large quantity of arms and ammunition and pledged support to the ongoing secessionist movement in the valley.

Earlier, five senior commanders of the Kadara Group, a local pro-government outfit, suddenly disappeared. The guess is that they have joined forces with some underground militant group.

Three other surrendered militants -- Mohammad Younus, Sarfaraz Ahmad Waza and Jamshed -- recently deserted the army camp. Security forces say it is likely that they have taken up arms all over again.

On December 7, 1996, four special police officer and three surrendered militants were abducted from Ajas village in Sonawari. Police sources say they have joined the ranks of the secessionists.

Courtesy: Sunday magazine

Jammu and Kashmir story, continued