Security forces arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba commander from Kupwara district in north Kashmir on Monday evening, reported PTI. Police confirmed that Abu Ukasha, also known as Hanzullah, was picked up during a search operation in Sogam area of Kupwara. According to The Hindu, security forces called it a "big catch".

During questioning about the militant network in the area, Ukasha – a resident of Pakistan – told the security forces that another LeT militant, Abu Bakar, was also in the region. A search operation has been launched to track him down.