Catching terrorist alive: Shaurya Chakra for 2 civilians proposed

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday recommended the names of two civilians, who had overpowered and turned over Pakistani terrorist Mohammad Naved to securitymen, for the 'Shaurya Chakra' gallantry medal.

The police also issued appointment orders to the duo who were taken hostage by the terrorist while looking for an escape route.

"Recognizing the brave act of two civilians in nabbing the Pakistani terrorist on August 5 from the forest of village Chirdi in Udhampur district, the Jammu and Kashmir Police issued appointment orders, besides recommending them for prestigious Shaurya Chakra award," an official spokesman said here.

Director General of Police K Rajendra Kumar issued the orders to Rakesh Kumar Sharma, a resident of Pakhlai presently living in Narsoo Chirdi area of Udhampur, on operational grounds as constable in the state police.

"The Police Headquarters (PHQ) also recommended to the government for according relaxation in qualification bar in favour of Bikramjeet, a resident of Nanak Nagar area of Jammu, on operational grounds for appointment as follower in the department," the spokesman said.

The police also recommended their names to the government for the Shaurya Chakra gallantry medal in view of their "conspicuous gallant act".

Naved was Wednesday last captured after an attack on a BSF bus on Jammu-Sri Nagar national highway and another terrorist killed in retaliatory fire

by jawans.

NIA chief to interrogate Naved

National Investigation Agency (NIA) chief Sharad Kumar will personally interrogate LeT's Pakistani terrorist Mohammed Naveed Yakub, captured after Wednesday's attack on a BSF convoy, who has been remanded in the custody of the anti-terror agency by a Jammu court. Kumar will be visiting Jammu on Wednesday and lead the interrogation team.

While refusing to share any details of the probe so far, Mr Kumar told PTI the purpose of his visit is to ascertain the progress made in the investigation.

"It's a very important case for us and the entire probe is being done in a scientific manner," Mr Kumar, who will also visit the scene of the encounter in Udhampur district that left two BSF personnel and a terrorist dead, said. Meanwhile, a special court in Jammu handed over Naveed's custody to the Central agency for 14 days. The special NIA judge was requested to open the court at 7 am on Tuesday to avoid any rush following apprehensions that the terrorist, in his early 20s, could be eliminated by Lashkar-e-Taiba to destroy evidence of Pakistani involvement in the terror attack. The terrorist, a resident of Faislabad in Pakistan, was produced before the court under tight security. Sources in the agency, which sought Naveed's custody for deepening its probe, said he could be sent to Delhi for further questioning.

NIA, which took over the case last week, has booked him under various sections of the Indian Penal Code for waging war against the nation, besides provisions of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Arms Act. NIA and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been questioning nearly 11 people detained after Naveed was caught by some villagers whom he had taken hostage. The truck driver, who ferried Naveed and his accomplice Mohammed Noman alias Momin to Udhampur, and a businessman who is alleged to have paid Rs. five lakh to the terrorist and his handler, have been missing and a manhunt has been launched to apprehend them.