Eight Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists involved in threatening and intimidating locals by publishing posters were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore on Monday.

The arrested terrorists have been identified as Aijaz Mir, Omar Mir, Tawseef Najar, Imitiyaz Najar, Omar Akbar, Faizan Latief, Danish Habib and Showkat Ahmad Mir.

The police have recovered computers and other accessories used in drafting and publishing of posters in the Valley.

An investigation has been initiated into the matter. The Sopore Police is also investigating the complicity of these terrorists in the recent killing of civilians in the area.

As per initial investigation carried out by officers in the case, it is learnt that three of the eight terrorist associates affiliated with the terrorist outfit LeT were principal architects of offence.

All incriminating materials have been seized by the police.

The arrested terrorists had prepared posters and circulated them in the locality in a bid to instil fear in the people.

The arrests come days after at least four people, including a baby, were injured after terrorists opened fire in Danger Pora village of Jammu and Kashmir’s Sopore district on Saturday.

According to reports, the terrorists barged into Hamidullah Rather’s house at Dangerpura in the north Kashmir district as they were upset that he ran his business despite warnings.

The residents were reportedly asked to shut their shops in protest against the Centre’s move to abrogate Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Post the revocation of Article 370, militants have been resorting to civilian killings and threats to instil fear among the people so that the return of normalcy is prevented in the valley.

Earlier, two nomadic goatherds (bakarwals) in Tral area and a shopkeeper in Srinagar city were killed by terrorists. Also, a truck driver was killed during stone-pelting instigated by militants in Bijbehara area.

As the situation gradually limps back to normal in the valley, posters by banned militant outfits like Jaish-e-Muhammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) have appeared at a number of places outside local mosques in North and South Kashmir districts threatening shopkeepers, transporters and others with dire consequences if they attempt to resume normal activities.

During the past month, terror groups in Kashmir have posted messages in many places telling people to observe a complete shutdown and protest after Friday prayers.

Jammu and Kashmir was put under virtual curfew on 5 August when the Modi government scrapped the Article 370 and split the state into two union territories.

Telephone line services, including mobile phones and landlines, were suspended in the early hours of August 5.

The valley is still under lockdown with thousands of security forces being deployed to prevent any protests or clashes over the centre’s decision to end special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had on Saturday said that the restrictions in Kashmir are aimed at preventing Pakistan from creating more mischief through proxies and terrorists.

Doval justified the restrictions on mobile phone and Internet services, saying they can easily be used by Pakistan and terrorists for subversive activities but the denial of these services should not prevent people from going about their lives.