Srinagar: The National Investigation Agency on Monday arrested a Jaish e Muhammad operative from southern Kashmir allegedly involved in an attack on CRPF group centre at Lethpora last year.

A spokesperson of NIA said that Fayaz Ahmad Magray son of Late Jalalludin Magray, a resident of village Lethpora, Awantipora in Pulwama was arrested in case RC No 10/2018/NIA/DLI.

He said that the attack on CRPF Group Centre, Lethpora was carried out in the intervening night of 30-31.12.2017 by three militants of proscribed organisation Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). During investigation by NIA, the three militants were identified as Fardeen Ahmad Khandey, son of Ghulam Mohideen Khandey, a resident of Nazeepora, Tral; Manzoor Baba, son of Ali Muhammad Baba, resident of Drubgam; a Pakistani namely Abdul Shakoor resident of Rawalakot area of PaK.

“All the three were killed in the encounter. In this attack, 5 CRPF personnel were killed and 3 were grievously injured.”

He said that the arrested accused Fayaz Ahmad Magray is an active OGW (Over Ground Worker) of JeM. “He is a key conspirator who provided logistical support such as providing shelter to the militants and conducting reconnaissance of the CRPF Group centre, Lethpora before the attack attack. In 2001 also, he was detained under Public Safety Act (PSA) by Jammu and Kashmir Police and he remained under detention for 16 months.”

The spokesperson said that the ​accused Fayaz will be produced in the Special NIA Court, Jammu for seeking police custody for further investigation and unearthing of the larger conspiracy.