Srinagar: Security forces on Tuesday apprehended two suspected terror associates during a joint search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district, recovering a pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition and a hand grenade from their possession, officials said.
The operation was launched during the intervening night of August 24 and 25 in the Yarwan forest area near CB Nath village in Rajpora. Pulwama Police, the Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles and the 183 Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were involved in the operation.
According to officials, the joint forces were acting on coordinated security inputs when they noticed two individuals moving suspiciously from the forest towards CB Nath village. The security personnel immediately intercepted and apprehended them.
The two suspects were identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad, a resident of Lassi Daban, and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad, a resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo. A search of the individuals led to the recovery of one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and a hand grenade.
The recovered weapons and ammunition have been taken into custody, while both men are being questioned as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are seeking to establish the source of the arms and ammunition and determine whether the suspects had links with wider terror networks.
A case has been registered at Rajpora Police Station under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Officials said further investigation is underway to establish the activities of the arrested individuals and identify any possible links or associates.
The arrests come amid intensified security operations across south Kashmir aimed at disrupting networks suspected of providing support to militant groups. Security agencies have recently stepped up searches and intelligence-based operations in several districts of the region.
The Pulwama operation also follows the arrest of three suspected overground workers in neighbouring Shopian district on Monday. Officials have been carrying out such operations to identify suspected logistical networks and prevent the movement of weapons and explosives.
Forces continue to maintain heightened vigilance in forested and vulnerable areas of Pulwama. Officials said the latest recovery is being examined as part of efforts to trace the larger network behind the possession and movement of illegal arms.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details after questioning the two suspects and analysing the recovered weapons and ammunition.
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