Sopore, October 10: In a significant success in its ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, Sopore Police on Saturday recovered a major cache of arms, ammunition, grenades and explosive material from the Mukaam Cherhar forest area in north Kashmir’s Sopore.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs generated by Sopore Police, security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the forest area falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai.
During the search, a blue barrel and a bag containing the arms and explosive material were found concealed beneath a large boulder. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called to the spot to examine and safely handle the suspected explosive material.
The recovered cache included two assault rifles, an AK-47 and an AK-76, along with seven magazines and ammunition. Four pistols, four magazines and ammunition were also recovered, besides one Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) with five rounds and 11 hand grenades.
The seizure further included three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) fitted with remote controls, eight detonators, two timers and other material, including a Y-SMS set, prima cords, wires, battery cells and IED-related components.
The entire cache was taken into possession following due legal procedure and necessary safety precautions.
In this connection, FIR No. 66/2026 has been registered at Police Station Bomai under Sections 13, 18, 20 and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Further investigation is underway to establish the source and ownership of the recovered weapons and explosives, identify those responsible for concealing the cache and ascertain possible terrorist linkages.
The recovery is being viewed as a significant achievement for Sopore Police in its efforts to prevent the use of illegal weapons and explosives for terrorist activities in the region.