Srinagar/Jammu, 21 February 2025— Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested Anwar Ali Chouhan, a former Hizbul Mujahideen militant who, according to police, had evaded authorities for 18 years despite multiple attempts to apprehend him.
Chouhan, a resident of Gujjar Kothian in Reasi district, had relocated to Kharpura in Anantnag after surrendering in 2007.
“He joined Hizbul Mujahideen in 2001 and remained active for seven years before surrendering. However, he later went underground,” a police official said.
Wanted in multiple militancy-related cases, Chouhan had been the subject of several raids in Gujjar Kothian, Chinore (Jammu), and Kherpora (Anantnag).
After failing to track him, authorities initiated proceedings under Sections 82 and 83 of the CrPC, but his whereabouts remained unknown.
Following extensive technical surveillance, Reasi police developed a lead and arrested him from a forested area near Gujjar Kothian, the officer added.
Chouhan was linked to a January 5, 2006, case of firing at a police party during a search operation in Talwara forest and an April 7, 2006, grenade attack on a bus in Baradari, Reasi, police said.