Jammu, Feb. 21 -- It took 18 years for the Jammu and Kashmir Police to eventually arrest a former terrorist, who was wanted in several criminal and militancy-related cases. Identified as Anwar Ali Chouhan, a resident of Gujjar Kothian in Talwara area of Reasi district, he had moved to Kharpura in Anantnag district of Kashmir, an official said.

"He had joined the Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) militant outfit in 2001 and remained active for seven years. He later surrendered in 2007 in Kashmir but subsequently went underground," said the officer. The accused was wanted in multiple high-profile criminal and militancy-related cases registered at Reasi police station.

"Several attempts were made to arrest him over the years by conducting raids at hi...