Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir made two major recoveries on Wednesday, arresting five alleged terrorist associates in Kulgam and uncovering an old arms hideout in Handwara hours earlier. Police said the Kulgam operation yielded pistols, grenades and ammunition, while the north Kashmir raid produced an AK-47 rifle and more than 1,100 rounds.
Five alleged terrorist associates arrested in Kulgam
The five have been identified by police as Tajamul Hussain Mir of Gufbal, Rehmat Ali Naikoo of Khrewan, Tehrim Ahmed Bhat of Khrewan, Manzoor Ahmed Bhat of Khrewan Chadder and Kifiyat Ahmed Dar of Maltalhama in Kulgam district. A case has been registered at Police Station Kulgam under relevant provisions of law. Acting on specific information, a joint team of Handwara Police, the Army and the CRPF searched the forest area and found the hideout.
The Kulgam operation was carried out at Khrewan Chadder on October 7 by Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 9 Rashtriya Rifles and the CRPF’s 18 Battalion after what police described as credible intelligence inputs. The items seized during the operation included two pistols, three magazines, 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition and three grenades.
Police said five alleged terrorist associates were arrested during the operation and weapons were recovered from their possession. Investigators are now examining the alleged links of the arrested men, the source of the recovered weapons and whether they were connected to any active terrorist group or operational network, police said. Police said the structure was destroyed after the weapons and other material inside it were recovered.
