Arms, Ammunition Recovered During Search Operation in Poonch; Probe Underway

Srinagar: Security forces on Tuesday recovered a cache of arms and ammunition during a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's frontier Poonch district, officials said.

According to officials, the recovery was made during a joint search operation conducted by the Army and the J&K Police following specific inputs about the possible presence of militant-related material in the area.

The operation forms part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at tracking down militant infrastructure and preventing potential security threats in the border district, officials said.

During the search, security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, six hand grenades with fuses and 30 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

Besides the weapons and ammunition, the forces also seized food supplies and medicines, indicating that the cache may have been intended for use by militants operating in the region falling in proximity of the Line of Control (LoC).

Officials said the recovered material has been taken into legal procession and secured in accordance with established procedures.

The seizure is being viewed as a significant success in efforts to disrupt militant activities and deny terror operatives access to logistical support and weaponry.

Security agencies noted that such hidden caches are often used by militant groups to sustain operations, facilitate movement in remote areas and carry out attacks.

The timely recovery, they said, could help avert potential threats and provide valuable leads for investigators.

Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to ascertain the origin of the recovered weapons and ammunition, identify those involved in concealing the cache and determine whether it is linked to any active militant network operating in the region.

Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.