Kupwara, Nov 21: Security forces have busted a militant hideout in the Neeriyan Forest area close to the Line of Control in the Nowgam sector of Kupwara district and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition.
Officials said a joint team acting on specific inputs conducted a search operation in the dense forest belt where the hideout was located. During the search, forces recovered two M-series rifles along with four magazines, two Chinese pistols with three magazines, two hand grenades, and several live rounds.
The operation was aimed at preventing attempts to push arms into the valley through infiltration routes along the LoC. Forces said the recovery indicates efforts by handlers across the border to revive militant activity in the area. The hideout appeared to have been recently used, and searches in the surrounding forest belt continued till late hours.
A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway to trace the network linked to the recovered weaponry. Officials said the recovery has averted possible militant strikes in the region and added that intensified anti-militancy operations will continue along forward areas.[KNT]
