Wednesday, May 3 2006 16:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Srinagar: Even as there was no let up in the military offensive against militants in Jammu and Kashmir, police authorities here plan to launch a major legal battle against the ultras operating from across the border.

"We plan to approach Interpol to issue red card notices against top militant leaders, including Chairman of United Jehad Council and supermo of Hizbul Mujahideen Syed Salahuddin and Lashkar-e-Toiba chief Hafiz Mohammad Saeed now in Pakistan," Inspector General of J&K Police K Rajendra Kumar told sources.

He said the wanted militant leaders also included chief of Jaish-e-Mohammad Moulana Masood Azhar and al-Umer chief Mushtaq Ahmed Zarger who were released in exchange for the passengers of hijacked Indian Airlines plane IC-814 on wayto Delhi from Kathmandu (Nepal) on the eve of 2000.

"The legal offensive against the militants has already been set in motion and once the process is completed we will approach Interpol to issue red corner notices against them," Kumar said.

"We are planning to use all our resources to get Interpol warrants against the militants who are the brain behind the violence in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere in the country," he said.

The issuance of Interpol warrants will make a strong case against them in future and will also limit their movements even within Pakistani territory, the police officer said.