November 8, 2024: In a significant breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested three terror associates linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant group in connection with a grenade attack that occurred in Srinagar on Sunday, leaving 12 civilians injured.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Usama Yasin Sheikh, Umar Fayaz Sheikh, and Afnan Mansoor Sheikh, all residents of Ikhrajpora in Srinagar. According to Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police (IGP) V.K. Birdi, the trio is accused of planning and executing the attack under the guidance of Pakistan-based terror handlers. The attack was part of an apparent attempt to disrupt peace and security in the region.

On Sunday, terrorists hurled grenades from a flyover during a weekly flea market, where security forces were stationed. While the grenades were aimed at the forces, they exploded near a paramilitary vehicle, injuring 12 civilians, several of whom sustained serious injuries. The authorities are continuing to investigate the motives behind the attack and whether other militant groups were involved.

"This operation was carried out under the direction of Pakistan-based terror handlers who are trying to create unrest in the region," said IGP Birdi, confirming the involvement of external elements in destabilizing the area.

The case has been registered under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against the three accused. The police have described the arrests as a major success in their ongoing efforts to curb militancy in the Kashmir Valley.

Sunday's grenade attack came amid heightened security concerns in Jammu and Kashmir, following a series of terror strikes and encounters since the formation of the region's first elected government after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.