In the early hours of August 24 and 25, security forces conducted three coordinated anti-terror operations across Kashmir. These operations took place in Sopore, Shopian, and Pulwama. As a result, five overground workers (OGWs) were detained. Additionally, a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives was recovered during these actions.
The duo—Latif Ahmad Deeda, resident of Lassi Daban, and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad, resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo—were spotted emerging from the forest under suspicious circumstances and immediately detained. In north Kashmir’s Sopore, a joint search operation by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Sopore, 52 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 177 and 179 Battalions of the CRPF in the Manzseer area under Police Station Tarzoo led to the recovery of a major arms cache from an abandoned house belonging to a Kashmiri Pandit family that had migrated in 1990. In the third operation at Pulwama, a joint Cordon and Search Operation launched by J&K Police SOG, 44 Rashtriya Rifles, and 183 Battalion CRPF in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath, Rajpora, led to the arrest of two terrorist associates. A search yielded one pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition, and one hand grenade. Cases have been registered at concerned police stations for offences under Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Sections 13, 18, 23, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The material has been taken into custody, and an investigation is underway to determine its source and ownership. The three individuals—identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar, resident of Matulhama, Kulgam; Amir Yousuf, resident of Chudder, Kulgam; and Junaid Muzaffer, resident of Matulhama, Kulgam—were detained. From their possession, forces recovered two hand grenades and five Hizbul Mujahideen posters. They have been described as suspected overground workers, and further investigation is in progress. All suspects and the recovered weapons remain in custody while investigation continues to establish their links and the source of the arms.
In south Kashmir’s Shopian district, security forces conducting Naka checking on the Mughal Road near Padpawan intercepted three motorcycle-borne suspects travelling on a vehicle bearing registration number JK18B-6130.
