J&K: Major Arms Cache Recovered In Sopore Forests In Significant Counter Terrorism Operation
The operation was launched after Sopore Police developed specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of concealed arms: Police spokesperson
SRINAGAR: In a major counter‑terrorism breakthrough, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have uncovered a large cache of weapons, ammunition and explosive materials from the dense forest belt of Mukaam Cherhar, an area falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai in northwestern Baramulla district.
The recovery, officials said, marks one of the most substantial seizures in recent months and underscores ongoing efforts to disrupt militant networks and prevent potential attacks. Authorities also noted that “violent extremist and terrorist groups have historically used such caches to facilitate attacks, causing severe harm and loss of life”; hence the recovery of this material is considered a critical security success.
According to a police spokesperson, the operation was launched after Sopore Police developed specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of concealed arms in the forested terrain. Acting on the information, security forces initiated a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO), combing through the rugged landscape until they detected suspicious material hidden beneath a massive boulder, the spokesperson said. He added that a blue barrel and a bag were found tucked into the crevice, prompting the immediate deployment of the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) to safely examine and handle the suspected explosives.
Once the area was secured, investigators conducted a detailed search, leading to the recovery of a significant quantity of arms and explosive devices. The cache included two assault rifles—one AK‑47 and one AK‑76—along with seven magazines and ammunition, four pistols with accompanying magazines, and a Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) loaded with five rounds. Security personnel also seized 11 hand grenades and three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) equipped with remote controls, eight detonators and two timers.
Beyond the weaponry, police recovered a range of additional materials commonly used in the fabrication of explosive devices. These included a Y‑SMS communication set, prima cords, electrical wiring, battery cells, and various IED‑related components. Officials said the presence of such items indicates the cache may have been intended to support multiple attacks or supply an active militant module.
All recovered material was seized in accordance with legal procedures, with strict safety protocols observed throughout the operation, the spokesperson said. Police have registered FIR No. 66/2026 at Police Station Bomai under Sections 13, 18, 20 and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Section 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
"Investigators are now working to trace the origins of the cache, identify individuals involved in its concealment and determine whether the recovered material is linked to any active terrorist networks,” he said. Officials said the recovery represents a major success in ongoing counter‑terrorism efforts in J&K and may help prevent future attacks.
The added that as the investigation progresses, police are focusing on establishing how the cache was transported into the forest, who facilitated its concealment and whether it was part of a larger supply chain. “We believe the breakthrough could provide crucial leads in dismantling terrorist infrastructure operating in the area,” said an official.
