In a significant development in the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in Jammu and Kashmir, two terror associates were arrested in Shopian district during a joint operation by the Indian Army’s 34 Rashtriya Rifles, Special Operations Group (SOG) Shopian, and the CRPF’s 178 Battalion, according to Shopian police.
The operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including four hand grenades, two pistols, and 43 live rounds. Authorities also seized other incriminating materials. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against the two individuals, and further investigations are underway to uncover their connections and past activities.
This arrest comes amid a series of heightened security operations targeting terror-related activities across Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on dismantling networks allegedly linked to Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Earlier, on May 13, three terrorists affiliated with the proscribed outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were killed in an encounter in the Shukroo forest area of Shopian district under Operation Keller. Acting on specific intelligence, security forces had launched a large-scale cordon-and-search operation in the region.
In another encounter on May 15, three more terrorists were neutralized in the Nader Tral area of Pulwama district. The operation, led by the Indian Army and local police forces, was initiated following credible intelligence inputs. “Suspicious activity was observed by vigilant troops and on being challenged, terrorists opened heavy fire and a fierce gunfight ensued,” the Army’s Chinar Corps stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Additionally, in a proactive effort to ensure civilian safety, the Indian Army recently conducted a successful controlled explosion to dispose of 42 unexploded shells in the border areas of Poonch district. These shells were remnants from recent cross-border shelling from Pakistan, which had caused casualties and damage to property.
With coordinated operations being ramped up across the Union Territory, the security forces continue to intensify efforts to curb terrorism and secure peace in the region.
Sources By Agencies