Srinagar, Sep 9 : An ex-terrorist allegedly operating as a hybrid terrorist for the banned Hizbul Mujahideen outfit was arrested during a joint operation in Handwara sub district of north Kashmir, Police said on Wednesday.

They said a reliable information was received regarding the activities of an ex-terrorist who was operating as a hybrid terrorist as part of a module of the banned terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) in the Handwara-Kupwara area.
Acting swiftly on the information, Handwara Police, along with Army's 21 Rashtriya Rifles and 92 Bn CRPF, launched a joint operation at the identified location in Handwara town.
"Following a meticulous security drill, the accused was apprehended and identified as Manzoor Ahmad Bhat a resident of Kruhmura Handwara," police said.
During his apprehension, one Chinese-made pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of pistol ammunition were recovered from his possession.
Police said the arrested individual is an ex-terrorist who had previously been arrested in two cases.
A case FIR number 232 under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Handwara, and further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the module, its network and other associated activities.