Security forces recover large cache of arms, ammunition in Kupwara

SRINAGAR — Security forces have busted a militant hideout in the frontier district of Kupwara in North Kashmir and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition, officials said.

The hideout was busted amid stepped-up anti-militancy operations, in the wake of the Pahalgam attack earlier this week.

Officials said acting on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched on Saturday by the forces in the forest area of Sedori Nala, Mushtaqabad Machil during which a hideout was busted.

“A significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered, which included five AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 magazines, a pistol with magazine, 660 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, a pistol round and 50 rounds of M4 ammunition,” the officials said, adding that further investigation is underway.

They said the recovery is a major success, especially in view of indications that militants were preparing to carry out activities aimed at disturbing peace and order in the region.

“The timely action by the security forces has dealt a major blow to such nefarious designs and has averted potential threats to civilian lives and public safety,” they added.