Huge cache of arms, ammo recovered in Sopore forest; IEDs, grenades among seized material

Suhail Khan

Sopore, Oct 10 : A large cache of arms, ammunition and explosive material was recovered from a forest area in north Kashmir’s Sopore on Friday, with police describing the seizure as a “significant achievement” in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

According to police, the recovery was made during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) launched in the forest area of Mukaam Cherhar, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai, based on specific intelligence inputs generated by Sopore Police.

A blue barrel and a bag were found concealed beneath a large boulder during the search, following which the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was called to the spot for examination and safe handling of the suspected explosive material.

The recoveries included two assault rifles — one AK-47 and one AK-76 — along with seven magazines and ammunition, four pistols with four magazines and ammunition, one Multi Grenade Launcher (MGL) with five rounds, and 11 hand grenades.

Three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) with remote controls, eight detonators and two timers were also seized. Other material recovered included a Y-SMS set, prima cords, wires, battery cells, IED-related components and miscellaneous accessories.

The material was taken into possession in accordance with due legal procedure, with necessary safety precautions, police said.

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

Police said further investigation is underway to establish the source and ownership of the recovered material, identify those involved in its concealment and ascertain possible terrorist linkages. The probe will also focus on the circumstances surrounding the concealment of the material and identifying all persons involved.