The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — A top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander among two militants have been killed in an encounter between security forces and militants in Nehama area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district on Monday.

A top police officer, quoted by the local news agency Kashmir Scroll, said that two militants including LeT commander Riyaz Ahmad Dar along with his associate have been killed by security forces in Nehama village of Pulwama.

He said that an encounter broke out in the area after security forces — a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF — started a search operation on credible inputs in the area.

As the joint team of forces intensified searches towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight. He said that during the exchange of fire, two militants were killed.

SRINAGAR — Police in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district on Wednesday said they had deployed a GPS-enabled anklet on a bailed-out Lashkar-e-Taiba militant associate for better surveillance to track his movements.

An official quoted by the news agency Kashmir Scroll said that in compliance with an order received from the Hon’ble Court, police in Baramulla today affixed a GPS tracking device on an under-trial militant associate who was enlarged on bail in a UA(P) case of Police Station Uri.

The accused was arrested in case FIR No. 104/2023 under sections 13, 18, 18B, 20, 23, 40 UA(P) Act, 120-B IPC, 7/25 Arms Act of Police Station Uri and has been enlarged bail by the Hon'ble Court.

He said the GPS anklet will be used to monitor the movement of the said militant associate and ensure that he doesn't violate the bail conditions.

PULWAMA — The militant killed in Pulwama gunfight on Thursday has been identified as a Srinagar resident.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that acting on specific information regarding the presence of a militant in Frasipora village of Pulwama, a joint cordon and search operation was launched by Police, Army (53RR) and CRPF (183Bn) in the said area.

During the search operation, as the joint search party approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated, effectively leading to an encounter.

"In the ensuing encounter, a terrorist was neutralised and his body retrieved from site of encounter," the official said.

According to the official, the slain was later identified as Danish Sheikh, resident of Srinagar and associated with proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (TRF) and from the slain, arms, ammunition and incriminating materials were recovered.

In this regard, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation has been initiated.

"People have been requested to cooperate with the police till the area at encounter site is completely sanitized and cleared of all the explosive materials, if any," he added.

BARAMULLA — Security forces on Thursday claimed to have busted a militant module in northern Kashmir's Baramulla district and arrested three militant associates.

An official quoted by a local news agency said that police along with other security forces arrested three militant associates linked with the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and recovered incriminating materials and ammunition from their possession in Baramulla.

The official said that Baramula Police received credible intelligence indicating that some unidentified militants affiliated with the banned LeT organization are moving in Baramulla town with intentions to target security forces.

Three individuals from town area of Baramulla, identified as Owais Ahmad Waza, son of Ghulam Mohammad Waza, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla; Basit Fayaz Kaloo, son of Fayaz Ahmad Kaloo, resident of Ganie Hamam Baramulla and Faheem Ahmad Mir, son of Tariq Ahmad Mir, resident of Mir Sahab, Old Town, Baramulla were assisting them.

These youth, according to the statement, were providing information about security forces' movements to the militants and their intention was to disturb the peace process in Baramulla in view of forthcoming Parliamentary elections, orchestrated by their handlers across the border.

As per the police official, the involvement of these three individuals posed a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of India.

He said that upon receiving this information, a case FIR No. 79/2024 under sections of UAPA was registered in Police Station Baramulla and investigations were started.

"During the course of the investigation, the accused persons were apprehended in Old Town Baramulla and upon their disclosure, three hand grenades were recovered from their possession," the official said and further added that an investigation of the case is in process.

SRINAGAR — The Special Investigation Agency (SIA) has filed charges against two individuals accused of orchestrating a narco-terror financing module within the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to a statement, the SIA revealed that Zaheed Ahmad Khoja and Zameer Ahmad Lone are facing charges under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, under the purview of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act.

Khoja was apprehended last September while transporting a significant heroin consignment weighing 3.565 kilograms, valued at over Rs 25 crores. Lone, on the other hand, is identified as an active member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), currently based in Pakistan and is listed as an absconding accused.

The SIA stated that Khoja, Lone, and their associates collaborated with 'terrorists' from proscribed organizations to raise funds through illegal smuggling and trafficking of narcotics across borders. These funds were allegedly used to finance 'terrorist activities' and perpetuate a 'terror ecosystem'.

Additionally, the accused individuals reportedly planned to sow communal disharmony through targeted 'terror acts' against minority communities, facilitated by encrypted messaging applications.

The funds obtained through these illicit activities were purportedly utilized for personal enrichment and to execute 'terrorist acts', including arson attacks on government buildings, residences of minority communities and police personnel, as well as the offices of political parties, as instructed by various 'terrorist outfits' operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

The SIA's investigation uncovered linkages between the 'narco-terror financing' module and multiple 'terrorist' organizations active in the region. It underscores the deep involvement of 'terrorist' groups in the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in raising funds through the illicit sale of narcotics to sustain their nefarious operations.

The statement further indicates that the SIA's probe into other associates of the charged individuals in this case remains ongoing.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) intensified its efforts to dismantle the militancy network in Jammu and Kashmir by charging five individuals, including three fugitive handlers based in Pakistan, in connection with the January 2023 Rajouri attacks.

In a statement issued on Monday, the agency identified the case as RC-01 & 02/2023/NIA/JMU, which revolves around a brutal assault on civilians in village Dhangri on January 1, 2023, followed by an IED blast the next day. The attacks claimed the lives of seven people, including two children, and left numerous others severely injured.

According to the NIA, among the charged individuals are three handlers of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit: Saifullah alias Sajid Jutt alias Ali alias Habibullah alias Numan alias Langda alias Noumi, Mohd Qasim, and Abu Qatal alias Qatal Sindhi. While Abu Qatal and Sajit Jutt are Pakistani nationals, Qasim had crossed into Pakistan around 2002 and joined LeT's ranks there.

"The trio orchestrated the recruitment and dispatch of LeT terrorists from Pakistan to target innocent civilians, particularly from the minority community in Jammu & Kashmir, as well as security personnel. The attacks were carried out under their directives," the statement affirmed.

It further detailed that Saifullah, currently a senior LeT commander, masterminded the conspiracy from Pakistan, with Qasim serving as his right-hand man. Abu Qatal, who had been active in the Poonch-Rajouri range since 2002-03, collaborated with other militants.

Additionally, the NIA charged Nisar Ahmed alias Haji Nisar and Mushtaq Hussain alias Chacha, both overground workers (OGWs) of LeT and residents of Mohra, Gursai, Tehsil Mendhar, District Poonch. The duo was apprehended during the investigation for providing logistical support to the militants, including food, shelter, and destroying evidence.

"Nisar had also received arms, ammunition, and cash from the Pakistan-based handlers for the terrorists. He had been in contact with Abu Qatal even after the latter's return to Pakistan," the statement revealed.

The two adult accused and the Pakistan-based handlers face charges under the UA(P) Act and various sections of the IPC. The case against the apprehended juvenile will be presented to the Juvenile Justice Board in Rajouri.

KULGAM — In a significant operation, police, along with security forces, apprehended four militant associates affiliated with the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) in Kulgam, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition from their possession.

The arrests came as a result of investigations into case FIR No. 14/2024 under Sections 13, 18, 39 of the UA(P) Act registered at Police Station Qaimoh. Kulgam Police, in collaboration with Army (1RR) and CRPF (18Bn), dismantled the LeT module and detained the four associates.

The individuals have been identified as Zahoor Ahmad Pandit, son of Abdul Gani Pandit; Basir Hussain Pandit, son of Farooq Ahmad Pandit; Imtiyaz Gull, son of Gull Mohd Bhat; and Gulzar Ahmad Khar, son of Ghulam Mohd Khar, all residents of Wanpora.

From the possession of the suspects, law enforcement recovered significant weaponry, including one pistol, two pistol magazines, 20 rounds of pistol ammunition, and four Under Barrel Grenades (UBGs), along with 24 rounds of INSAS rifle ammunition.

Authorities have stated that the investigation into the case is ongoing, with expectations of additional arrests and further recoveries.

KUPWARA — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on Thursday the attachment of properties belonging to four individuals accused of militancy involvement in the northern region of Kashmir.

According to official sources quoted by a local news agency, the action is part of an intensified security crackdown in Kashmir. The four properties were seized as part of RC 03/2020, allegedly implicating members of outfits Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), among others.

The properties were attached in north Kashmir's Handwara, within the context of the NIA Jammu case RC 03/2020 related to 'narco-terrorism' involving Hizbul Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba. Under Section 25 of the UA(P) Act, the NIA also seized a total of Rs 2.27 crore in cash.

Officials stated that the case pertains to the utilization of proceeds from narcotic drugs to fund militant activities by LeT and HM operating in the Handwara-Kupwara region.

NEW DELHI — The Delhi Police on Tuesday said that they arrested an operative of the Lashkar-e-Taiba who is wanted in Jammu and Kashmir.

The alleged operative is a retired Indian Army personnel who is wanted for his involvement in a recently busted militant module in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district.

Police said that the LeT operative, identified as Riyaz Ahmed, was arrested at the New Delhi railway station.

“Riyaz Ahmed was involved in hatching a conspiracy along with one Khursheed Ahmed and Ghulam Sarvar in receiving arms and ammunition from across the LoC,” K P S Malhotra, DCP (Railways), said.

“The Jammu and Kashmir Police had recently busted a LeT module in Kupwara, arresting five persons linked to it and seized several incriminating materials from their possession along with arms and ammunition,” Malhotra said.

Malhotra said the arms and ammunition were sent by Pak-based LeT handlers Manzoor Ahmed Sheikh and Qazi Mohammad Khushal.

“Last week, we received information from investigating agencies in Jammu and Kashmir that Riyaz is arriving in Delhi. We formed a team and caught Ahmed while he was trying to escape from Gate Number 1 at the New Delhi Railway Station,” said Malhotra.

During interrogation, Ahmed reportedly told the police that he and his friend Altaf, who too is a retired Army officer, had boarded the Mahakaushal Express from Jabalpur and reached Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station around 3 pm on Friday, February 3.

“From there, Ahmed took an auto and reached New Delhi Railway Station on Sunday. Ahmed was heading to a hideout,” said Malhotra.

Both Ahmed and Altaf retired from the Indian Army on January 31, the DCP said.

BARAMULLA — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested a Lashkar-e-Toiba militant and five militant associates including two women. One among the arrested persons includes a juvenile as well.

Addressing a press conference at Baramulla, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla Amog Nagpure said that police have arrested an active LeT militant and five militant associates in Baramulla and recovered a huge quantity of arms and ammunition including grenades and pistols from them.

“The process of arrests started after two suspects were detained in September in Uri. The five terror associates arrested include two women and a juvenile as well,” he said, as per the news agency KNO.

The SSP said that on September 21, Police in Baramulla through reliable sources came to know that an individual namely Yaseen Ahmad Shah son of Tariq Ahmad, resident of Janbazpora Baramulla is missing from his home and had joined the proscribed militant outfit LeT/TRF.

“Accordingly, a case under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Baramulla and an investigation was taken up. On receipt of this information, based on human/technical intelligence, a joint team of Baramulla Police, Army & CAPF during MVCP checking at Tapper Pattan apprehended the said terrorist on September 22,” he said, adding that incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including a pistol, a pistol magazine and eight live rounds were recovered from his possession.

“During questioning, he disclosed the name of his other associate as Parvaiz Ahmad Shah son of Ali Mohd, resident of Takiya Wagoora. Accordingly, joint parties of Baramulla Police, Army & CAPF raided his residence and subsequently arrested him. Upon his disclosure, two hand grenades were also recovered from his possession,” the SSP said, adding, “On September 23, during the further course of interrogation of terrorist Mohd Yaseen Shah and on his disclosure, a pistol, a pistol magazine and eight live rounds were also recovered from his house at Janbazpora.”

The SSP further said that he disclosed the names of his associates as Nigeena wife of Manzoor Ahmad Lone, resident of Vijipora Hajin and Aafreena alias Aayat daughter of Gulzar Ahmad Ganie, resident of Patpora Shalteng Srinagar and upon their disclosure, two hand grenades were recovered from their possession.

“On September 25, during questioning of terrorists Yaseen Ahmad Shah and Parvaiz Ahmad Shah, they disclosed the names of two more associates as Mudasir Ahmad Rather son of Gh Mohiuddin Rather, resident of Takiya Wagoora and Showkat Ahmad Malik son of Habibullah Malik, resident of Wagila Wagoora and upon their disclosure, a Chinese grenade, a pistol, pistol magazines and eight live rounds were recovered respectively from their possession. Investigation has revealed that this terrorist along with his five associates were operating on the directions from Pakistan-based handlers and were planning to recruit more terrorists and carry out terrorist activities in Baramulla and nearby areas,” he said, adding that the case under sections of UA (P) & Arms Act stands registered in Police Station Baramulla and investigation is going on.

Earlier, on September 14, police during a joint Naka check at Paranpeelan Bridge in Uri noticed two suspected persons who were coming from Dachi towards Paranpeelan Bridge and tried to flee while noticing the Naka party but were apprehended tactfully.

“During their search, two Glock pistols, four pistol magazines, two pistol silencers, five Chinese grenades and 29 live pistol rounds were recovered from them and were taken into custody immediately, who were later identified as Zaid Hassan Malla son of Ghulam Hassan Malla, resident of Mir Sahib Baramulla and Muhammad Arif Channa son of Nazir Ahmad Channa, resident of Stadium Colony Baramulla,” the SSP said, adding that it is pertinent to mention here that they were involved in cross border smuggling of arms and ammunition at the behest of Pakistan based terror handlers and its further distribution to LeT militants for carrying out militant activities.

“Case under Indian Arms Act & UA (P) Act was registered in Police Station Uri and investigations were taken up. During the course of the investigation, they disclosed the name of their associate as Aftaar Ahmad Lohar son of Mohd Maqbool Lohar, resident of Surankote Poonch and was subsequently arrested in the instant case,” he said.

Asked whether the involvement of females and juveniles in militant networks was a challenge, the SSP said that it wasn’t the first time as earlier many females and juveniles were arrested for militant links. “In this case, we have observed an arms supply racket running from Kashmir to Poonch. We are tracking links and routes used for supplying arms. More arrests are likely to be made. These attempts are being made to destabilise peace in the region,” he said, adding that the juvenile arrested will be tried in the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) under the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA).

SRINAGAR — A joint team of security forces arrested a militant associate affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba outfit in Nazneenpora village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said on Tuesday evening.

They told the news agency GNS that a joint team of Shopian Police, Army’s 44 RR and 14 Battalion CRPF tactfully arrested a militant associate namely Shabir Ahmad Mir son of Ghulam Nabi Mir, resident of Nazneenpora Shopian in his native village.

“On disclosure of the arrestee, the joint team recovered arms and ammunition which included one each of 40 mm Pak origin RPG, RPG grenade and two boosters,” they said.

“A case vide FIR number 146/2023 under relevant sections of law has been registered and investigation set into motion,” they further said.

SRINAGAR — In a significant development, the Special Designated NIA Court, Srinagar has declared six members of a narco-module as proclaimed offenders. "This action comes in the wake of their involvement in the cross-border smuggling of narcotics in collaboration with Lashkar-e-Taiba/Hizbul Mujahideen operatives from across the border."

"The illicit drugs were subsequently distributed among the youth, while the proceeds were used to fuel terror activities by financing and strengthening the activities of the LeT and HM militant organizations," State Investigation Agency (SIA) said in a statement.

SIA in its statement to the news agency KDC said, “During the investigation of the case FIR No. 19/2022, the State Investigation Agency Kashmir successfully dismantled a narco-terror module and apprehended several of its members. Notable among these were Rubeena Nazir from Sopore and central jail detainee Ishfaq Ahmad Mir."

"These individuals were found to be operating the narco-terror module in collusion with terror handlers located across the border. While six members of the module have already been apprehended, several others have been identified and are currently under active pursuit,” it added.

State Investigation Agency has been diligently tracking down the accused who remain at large, they said, adding that multiple locations across the Union Territory have been subject to raids as part of these ongoing operations.

SIA further said among the absconding individuals, the six members of the narco-terror module have been declared as proclaimed offenders by the Special Designated NIA Court after SIA apprised the court about the investigation conducted so far and were identified as Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, resident of Lakripora Padgampora, Awantipora; Abdul Rashid Mir son of Mohammad Sultan Mir, resident of Amargrah Sopore; Sageer Ahmad Poswal son of Nazir Ahmad Poswal, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara.

Iftikhar Ahmad Sheikh son of Abdul Lateef Sheikh, resident of Amrohi, Tangdhar, Karnah, Kupwara; Basharat Ahmad Poswal son of Mohammad Sadiq, resident of Parda Karna, Kupwara and Javid Ahmad Thakkar, also known as Raja Thakkar, son of Tasaduq Hussain Thakkar, resident of Barhon Thanamandi Rajouri were also identified as proclaimed offenders.

"The State Investigation Agency is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to apprehend the absconding offenders. SIA Kashmir stands firm in its commitment to ensure that these individuals are brought to justice at the earliest possible time," reads the statement.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police along with security forces have arrested a militant associate of Lashkar-i-Toiba (LeT) and recovered a hand grenade from his possession in Baramulla district.

"On specific information regarding the movement of militants in the village Nagbal Chandoosa, a joint MVCP was established by Police and Army (52RR) at Shranz Crossing Nagbal Chandoosa. During checking, one suspected person who was coming from Shrunz towards Nagbal Chandoosa tried to flee after noticing a joint Naka party but was apprehended tactfully," a police spokesman said in a statement, as per the news agency KNO.

During the search, one grenade was recovered from his possession. He has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf Mir son of Mohammad Shafi Mir, resident of Laridoora Chandoosa, a militant associate linked with LeT, police said.

It is pertinent to mention here that the said militant associate is a surrendered militant, police said.

Accordingly, police said that a case under relevant sections of law has been registered at Police Station Chandoosa and an investigation has been initiated.

SRINAGAR — Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of J-K Police on Monday presented a chargesheet against a dead Lashkar-i-Toiba (LeT) militant and female militant associate before the NIA Court Anantnag.

The chargesheet was submitted in case FIR No. 346/2022 under Section 307, 302 IPC, 7/27 A. Act, 17, 18, 20, 23, 38, 39 ULAP Act of Police Station Anantnag.

In a statement, the police said that its SIU wing presented a chargesheet against a militant associate namely Shaheen Akhter daughter of Bashir Ahmad Ganai, resident of Tangward Brenti Batpora Anantnag and a slain militant Umer Nazir Bhat son of Nazir Ahmad Bhat, resident of Bon-Dailgam linked with proscribed militant outfit LeT.

The statement further stated that the investigation of the case is going on under Section 173 (8) with regard to the technical evidence, the report of which is awaited from CFSL Chandigarh.

NEW DELHI — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a supplementary chargesheet against Talab Khatikan and Jammu resident Faisal Muneer alias Ali Bhai for allegedly conspiring with Pakistan-based operatives for transportation of firearms and explosives for carrying out militant acts in India.

In a statement, NIA said that the accused had entered into a conspiracy with his handlers based across the border to deliver the consignments of weapons and explosives to active militant commanders and operatives for the commission of militant acts in India.

NIA said that Faisal had actively worked for LeT/TRF and had received funds from operatives of LeT, with the intent to further its militant activities. It said that Faisal is the fourth person named in the chargesheet. The other three are Arsalan Feroz alias Arsalan Soab, Muzamil Mushtaq Bhat alias Hamza and Mudasir Ahmad Dar.

The agency said that during the investigation, it came to the fore that Faisal was working as an active overground worker for LeT. He was receiving, collecting, and supplying funds and arms and ammunition dropped from Pakistan via drones near Samba and Kathua border areas.

The funds and weapons received by Faisal were being stored by him and afterward, he used them to deliver to other militants.

In its supplementary chargesheet filed today in the NIA Special Court, Patiala House, NIA has charged Faisal under various sections of IPC, Arms Act, and UA(P) Act, 1967.

SRINAGAR — Police along with security forces have arrested a militant associate linked with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Bandipora and recovered explosives and ammunition from his possession.

“On specific information regarding movement of militants in Aloosa area of Bandipora, a special checkpoint was established near canal road Aloosa, jointly by Police, 26 Assam Rifles & 3rd Bn CRPF,” a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

"During checking, one militant associate linked with LeT was apprehended. He has been identified as Jamshed Ahmad Bhat son of Abdul Rashid, a resident of Aloosa Bandipora," he said.

Incriminating materials, ammunition and explosive including one Chinese grenade and 12 live AK-47 rounds was recovered from his possession, police said.

Regarding the incident, a case under relevant sections of law was registered at Police Station Bandipora and further investigation has been initiated.

Huge cache of ammo recovered in Haphruda forests in Kupwara

The security forces and police on Thursday recovered a huge cache of ammunition in the Haphruda forest in north Kashmir's Kupwara district.

A statement issued to the news agency KNO said that in a joint operation, Indian Army along with Handwara Police, based on reliable input, carried out a specific jungle search in Haphruda forest in north Kupwara district in the early morning of April 6, 2023.

The search resulted in the recovery of a huge cache of ammunition including 720 rounds of 7.62 mm (most likely of Chinese origin), five rounds of RPGs, nine booster tubes of RPG and 10 UBGL grenades (most likely of Russian origin), the statement said.

"The ammunition was concealed in two locs in the jungle area with adequate packaging. In fact, few of the ammunition has been found in sealed packages," it said, adding that a thorough jungle search was launched by Haphruda COB and Handwara Police personnel in the general area of Haphruda forest for any more caches of arms and ammunition or for any hideout.

SRINAGAR — Two accused persons, “affiliates” of Lashkar-e-Toiba, escaped from Police Station Baramulla in the wee hours on Wednesday, officials said.

They said that the accused, Maroof Nazir Soleh of Kanlibagh and Shahid Showkat Bala of Banglowbagh, managed their way during Sehri time.

A police officer told the news agency GNS that a case has been registered under relevant sections of law and “efforts are on to nab them”.

The duo had been arrested in connection with a blast on a wine shop in Dewan Bagh in Baramulla last year, the officer added.

SRINAGAR — The Special Investigation Unit of Kashmir Police is conducting searches at Kakapora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Monday morning.

Official sources told the news agency GNS that searches are underway at Kakapora in the house of Ab Aziz Dar son of Ghulam Mohd Dar.

Ab Aziz is the father of active LeT commander Reyaz Ahmad Dar, who has been active for eight years and is believed to be one of the oldest surviving militants.

The searches are conducted in connection with case FIR No. 239/2022 of Police Station Pulwama, they said.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said it busted a Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant hideout and recovered a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Rakh Momin area of south Kashmir's Anantnag district.

In a statement, issued to the news agency KNO, a spokesperson said on the intervening night of March 12 and 13 on the basis of a specific input developed over a period of time by Anantnag Police, a joint cordon and search operation (CASO) along with Army's 1RR was launched in Rakh Momin Dangi area Bijbehara.

The statement reads that the search in the area led to the busting of a LeT hideout and the subsequent recovery of a huge cache of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores.

It reads further that the recovery includes IEDs (5) PTD's programmed timer devices and RCIEDs, Detonators (6), Pistols (3), Pistol Magazines (5), Ammunition (9mm rounds; 124), Remote Controls (4) and Batteries (13).

"In this regard, Case FIR No. 58/2023 stands registered in Police Station Bijbehara under relevant sections of law and investigation set into motion," it reads.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday said it busted a militant hideout and also arrested four militant associates in Hafoo Nageenpora village of Awantipora in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Kashmir Zone Police in a tweet said a militant hideout was busted and destroyed in Hafoo Nageenpora forest area. The police said four militant associates of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) outfit were also arrested.

"Police along with security forces busted and destroyed terrorist hideout in Hafoo Nageenpora forests of Awantipora. Four terrorist associates linked with the terror outfit LeT were arrested. Incriminating materials and other items were recovered. A case was registered and an investigation is in progress," a police spokesman said in a tweet.