New Delhi: In a major development, the Jammu and Kashmirpolice on arrested Hayat Ahmad Bhat, the main instigator of law and orderdisturbances in downtown Srinagar post-August 5, when the Centre decided torevoke Article 370 from the state.

Bhat, also known as Hayat Dar, was arrested on Wednesdaymorning in a raid carried out by the police. He is wanted in several criminalcases. "He was earlier booked under PSA. After his release, he startedorganising stone-pelting in the areas of Anchar Lake and Soura. His arrest is amajor breakthrough," Dilbagh Singh, Director General of Police in Jammuand Kashmir, said.

Bhat was instrumental in mobilising the miscreants in andaround Jenab Sahib Soura. He was previously affiliated with the proscribedMuslim League outfit.

He was earlier booked twice under J&K Public Safety Actfor his involvement in more than 16 FIRs pertaining to law and orderdisturbances.

In 2019, three FIRs under ULA (P) Act were registeredagainst him in the Soura police station for his involvement in subversiveactivities.

The development comes two days after mobile network servicewas restored in J&K after a gap of over two months. Meanwhile, onWednesday, three terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces inAnantnag. Huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the site.