SRINAGAR, JUNE 17 :  Security forces arrested a Hizbul Mujahideen militant in Jammu and Kashmir’s Handwara sub district, police said on Monday. He was in touch with a Pakistan-based handler.

Zakir Hamid Mir, a resident of Kachri, Chougal was arrested in a joint operation of forces which was launched last night.

“Yesterday, we got an input about the presence of a terrorist who was waiting to carry out a terror attack. Following which a joint operation with Army’s 30 RR and other security forces agencies was launched. During the operation the terrorist was arrested,” Superintendent of Police, Handwara Dawood Ayoub said.

He added a Chinese pistol, a hand grenade and two magazines of a pistol were recovered from the Hizb’s possession.

The SP said Zakir Mir was in touch with the Pakistan-based handler Zahoor Ahmad Mir of Mirtigam Handwara, who is linked with Hizbul Mujahideen. He said further investigation in the case is continuing.