 A Kashmiri guerrilla leader wanted for more than 15 years was captured by Indian paramilitary soldiers and police Saturday during a raid on a militant hideout, an officer said. Mohammed Shafi Dar was captured in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu-Kashmir state, a security official told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. | "Stick'em up, Dar, and keep yer yap shut!" |
Two AK-47 machine-guns and a satellite phone were recovered from him, the officer said. Dar is the chief commander of the Pakistan-based Tehreek-ul Mujahedeen militant group — one of the smaller rebel organizations waging a separatist war against Indian security forces. He was active in Kashmir for more than 15 years, and a reward of $11,100 was offered for his arrest or killing, the official said. It is extremely rare for a rebel commander to be caught alive in India's portion of Kashmir. Most die in gunbattles or operate from the Pakistan-controlled area of Kashmir while issuing orders to their field commanders. A top police officer separately confirmed the arrest, also declining to be named. | "I'll be back for a press conference, just as soon as we finish ululating." |
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