Suhail Rather

Bandipora, Nov 6 (KNS): Bandipora Police on Friday said they have arrested two more persons in connection with an alleged prison-linked separatist module, taking the total arrests in the case to eight, while intensifying traffic enforcement, action against illegal mining and security operations across the district.

Police identified the two arrested persons as Irshad Ahmed Bhat, a resident of Chakloo in Baramulla, and Showkat Ahmed Reshi, a resident of Watlab in Sopore.

The arrests were made in connection with FIR No. 168/2026, registered under Sections 10 and 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

According to police, the alleged module was linked to a banned organisation and was suspected of targeting women for the propagation of separatist ideology and propaganda.

Police said investigations were underway to establish the extent of the arrested persons' alleged involvement and identify other associates connected with the module. More arrests are expected as the investigation progresses.

In a separate drive, police detected 49 traffic violations during special checking operations conducted across Bandipora over the past 36 hours.

A total of 1,398 vehicles were checked, with action initiated in 17 cases of riding without helmets, three cases of triple riding, one case of rash driving and four cases involving driving without valid licences or documents.

Seven vehicles were proceeded against for other violations, while 17 vehicles were seized during the enforcement drive.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Meanwhile, police seized four vehicles allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in separate operations across the district.

Three vehicles were seized by Police Post Aloosa and one by Police Post Sumlar. Police said legal proceedings had been initiated in connection with the seizures.

On the security front, Bandipora Police, in coordination with Police District Sopore and Army units, conducted two joint area domination exercises along the Wular axis to strengthen security arrangements and inter-district coordination.

The first exercise was conducted along the Haritar–Kanyari axis, involving DSP SOG Hajin and 13 Rashtriya Rifles from Bandipora, alongside DySP SOG Sopore and 52 Rashtriya Rifles from the Sopore side.

The second exercise was conducted in the Zurimanz area, with the participation of DSP SOG Bandipora, 27 Assam Rifles, DSP SOG Sopore and 22 Rashtriya Rifles.

Police said the exercises were aimed at strengthening operational preparedness, improving coordination among security forces and maintaining vigilance in vulnerable areas adjoining the two districts.

Bandipora Police reiterated that operations against unlawful activities, traffic violations and illegal mining would continue to ensure public safety and maintain peace across the district. (KNS)