Srinagar: Security forces recovered a major stockpile of arms, ammunition, and explosives from a forested area in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Saturday, according to local police.

The recovery was made during a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched by Sopore Police in the Mukaam Cherhar forest area of Sopore township, following specific intelligence inputs.

During the search, personnel discovered a blue barrel and a bag hidden beneath a massive boulder. A Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was dispatched to the location to safely secure and handle the suspected explosives.

The seized arsenal includes:

  • Assault Rifles: Two assault rifles (one AK-47 and one AK-76) with seven magazines and corresponding ammunition.

  • Handguns & Launchers: Four pistols with four magazines and ammunition, alongside a Multi-Grenade Launcher (MGL) with five rounds.

  • Explosives & IEDs: 11 hand grenades, three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) equipped with remote controls, eight detonators, and two timers.

  • Tactical Gear: A Y-SMS set, prima cords, wiring, battery cells, and various IED components.

Police stated that all items were taken into custody following due legal and safety protocols.

Police Station Bomai has registered a case (FIR No. 66/2026) under Sections 13, 18, 20, and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Section 7/25 of the Arms Act, and Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

An investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the cache, determine ownership, identify those responsible for hiding the weapons, and uncover prospective terrorist links. Sopore Police described the operation as a major breakthrough in regional counter-terrorism efforts. (PTI)