Jammu/Kishtwar, May 1: Security forces achieved a major success after busting a terrorist hideout in the dense forests of Chhatroo sector in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Friday, leading to the recovery of a significant cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives.
The hideout was unearthed at around 11:20 AM in the Dharbi Bajmandoo forest area of Sigdi Bhata during an ongoing search operation that has been underway since March 31 across Dolgam, Janseer, and Kandwar areas.
The joint operation was carried out by the Army’s 11 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) Kishtwar.
According to officials, the following items were recovered:
* 1 Carbine gun with magazine
* 1 Pistol with magazine
* 1 Sling
* 1 Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) round (51 mm)
* 4 Electric detonators
* 97 rounds of 9mm live ammunition
* 18 rounds of 7.62 mm live ammunition
* 1 Pull-through
* Approximately 1 kg of explosive substance (PEK)
* 1 Kenwood radio set
* 2 Motorola radio sets
Officials said the recovery points to the presence of a well-organized terrorist infrastructure in the forested belt of Chhatroo, possibly intended for sustaining operations and carrying out attacks.
In recent weeks, security forces have stepped up anti-terror operations across the Chhatroo belt, leading to multiple successes including earlier busting of hideouts. Notably, four terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed were eliminated in a recent encounter in the area, dealing a major blow to the outfit’s presence and operational capabilities.
Earlier this year, security forces had also neutralized two terrorists identified as Saifullah and Adil during separate operations in the Chhatroo region, further tightening the noose around terrorist networks operating in the district.
An FIR is yet to be registered as the search operation is still in progress. Officials said further recoveries are possible as forces continue to comb the area.
Further details are awaited.
