JAMMU: In a breakthrough, the police in the Sopore area recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from the forest area of Mukaam Cherhar under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai. Acting on specific intelligence from local police in Sopore, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the forest area.
During the search, police found a blue-coloured barrel and a bag concealed beneath a large boulder. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called to the spot for examination and safe handling of the suspected explosive material.
During thorough searches, police recovered 02 assault rifles, including one AK-47 and one AK-76, along with seven magazines, four pistols with four magazines, a Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) with five rounds, 11 hand grenades, three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with remote controls, eight detonators and two timers.
Other incriminating material including a Y-SMS set, prima cords, wires, battery cells, IED-related components and miscellaneous accessories were also seized from the spot. All these items were kept for assembling more IEDs fitted with timers, but these plans stand unravelled now. The recovered arms and explosives were taken into possession after following due legal procedure and observing necessary safety precautions.
In this connection, FIR No. 66/2026 under Sections 13, 18, 20 and 23 of UAPA, 7/25 Arms Act and 5 Explosive Substances Act has been registered at Police Station Bomai and further investigation has been taken up.
Police said the recovery is a significant achievement in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts. Investigation is underway to establish the source, ownership and those involved in concealment of the cache and to ascertain possible terror linkages.
The consignment had apparently been concealed by some terrorists, or their sympathisers, for carrying out attacks on civilians and the security forces. However, with their seizure, the police have deprived terrorists of the basic goods they need to carry out their disruptive activities.
At one time, Sopore Legislative Assembly segment was represented by late SAS Geelani who was a pro-Pakistan jihadist, who was considered father of jihad in Jammu and Kashmir. Geelani had represented the Sopore segment thrice on Jamaat e Islami ticket in 1972, 1977 and in 1987.
For a long time, years rather decades, Sopore remained a very troubled area mainly due to the support hardcore Islamist Geelani enjoyed here. It was once considered one of the toughest postings for government officials.
For the past few years, the security forces, including the police, has gained an upper hand over subversive elements. However, the seizure of the arms and ammunition indicated that there were people here who were trying to revive terrorism. The weapons had been apparently kept concealed for use at an “opportune moment’’.
