Intel agencies warn the use of ‘pen guns’ for targeted killings in Kashmir

Intelligence agencies have sounded an alert after recovery of a pen gun, among other arms and ammunitions, while nabbing alleged terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir’s Bandipora district recently.

Agencies suspect that revival of the pen gun -  a rare single-shot pistol, which folds open to reveal a tiny trigger, trend in the Valley is aimed at targeted killings in the Kashmir Valley by Pakistan-based terror groups.

The recovered pen gun was hidden by the widow of killed terrorist Yousuf Choupan in a forest area of Bandipora district.

Two decades later, pen gun makes a comeback in Kashmir

Almost two decades after making an appearance for the first time, a pen gun was recovered by security forces from Bandipora district of north Kashmir. In 2002, Border Security Force (BSF) officials had recovered a pen gun from the Nowgam area of Budgam from a hideout.

The pen gun was recovered with other weapons.

In the latest recovery, security forces, on August 26, busted a terror module in north Kashmir's Bandipora and recovered the pen gun along with one Krinkov AK-47 rifle, one pistol, four magazines and around 100 rounds along with other incriminating materials. The operation was carried out by a joint team of J&K police, 26 Assam Rifles and CRPF in the Dardgund area of Bandipora.

Security agencies have warned forces of possible use of pen guns for targeted killings in the Valley, as they suspect the weapon being pushed across the border once again. First made in 1924, the pistol, which resembles a pen, might go unnoticed due to its misleading model and pose security risks. Though obsolete, forces are taking the threat seriously in view of the consistent threat of targeted killing in Kashmir.

Women terrorist trend in Kashmir: Widow of killed terrorist held for hiding arms and ammunitions

J&K police arrested Munira Begum from north Kashmir, who was a part of the conspiracy hatched by Pakistan-based terror handlers to revive terrorism in Bandipora district. Munira is the widow of Yousuf Choupan, area commander of terrorists in the district, who was neutralised earlier by security forces. Munira has been to Pakistan twice, and agencies suspect her of being in regular touch with Pakistan-based handlers.

She was to deliver consignment of weapons to Shafait Reshi, who was in touch with Pakistan-based terror handler Mushtaq Ahmad Mir, who exfiltrated to Pakistan in 1999 and was involved in the 2000 Kothibagh IED blast, in which 14 people, including 12 police personnel, were killed and had remained associated with terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen and later on with terror outfit Al-Badr. 

Terror-accused Shafayat Rishi also admitted that he was about to receive Rs 47 lakh for the revival of terrorists in the Valley. Later, this money was to be handed over to someone as per the requirement and directions of his handler Mushtaq Ah Mir. Shafayat Zubair Rishi is involved in burning an Army vehicle in Sumbal in 2009 and is out on bail in the case.