J&K: Arms recovered in Baramulla, 5 terror associates held in Pulwama, Shopian amid fresh threats to Kashmiri Hindus
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Security forces have stepped up operations across Jammu and Kashmir, recovering arms and ammunition in Baramulla, arresting 5 terror associates in Pulwama and Shopian, while fresh threat letters targeting Kashmiri Hindu employees have raised security concerns. The developments have prompted demands for enhanced protection, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah calling for a full investigation into the threats.
Based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation was launched by the Army, CRPF and J&K Police in the general area of Manzseer in Sopore, Baramulla.
“Based on specific intelligence input, a joint operation was launched by Army, CRPF and JmuKmrPolice in the general area of Manzseer in Sopore, Baramulla. During search, security forces recovered one AK Series Rifle, three Magazines, four Hand Grenades, a huge cache of ammunition and other war-like stores. Operation is in progress,” Chinar Corps of the Indian Army shared on X.
Earlier, security forces arrested two terror associates in the Yarwan forest area of Pulwama district.
Acting on coordinated security inputs, a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the area. During the operation, joint teams noticed two suspicious individuals coming out of the forest towards CB Nath village and apprehended them.
The two were identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad. Security forces recovered one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade from their possession.
A case under relevant sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act was registered. An investigation has been launched to ascertain their activities, trace the source of the recovered weapons and identify their further linkages.
The arrests came hours after security forces arrested three terror associates in Shopian district on Monday. Two hand grenades, five Hizbul Mujahideen posters and a motorcycle were recovered from their possession.
The three were identified as Junaid Ahmad Dar of Matulhama, Kulgam; Amir Yousif of Chudder, Kulgam; and Junaid Muzaffer of Matulhama, Kulgam. Further investigation is underway.
Fresh Threats to Kashmiri Hindus
The security operations come amid fresh threats targeting Kashmiri Hindus. A new threat letter surfaced nearly two weeks after a similar letter warned members of the community working in the Kashmir Valley to “change their ways”. Many Kashmiri Hindus have returned to the Valley after being appointed under the government’s PM Rehabilitation Package.
The latest letter was issued in the name of the United Liberation Council (ULC), which is another front of Lashkar-e-Taiba.
The letter has raised concern as it contains personal details of around six Kashmiri Hindus, including their house numbers and street names. Security agencies are verifying the authenticity of the letter and trying to identify those behind it.
Employees recruited under the Prime Minister’s Rehabilitation Package have also written to J&K Chief Secretary seeking enhanced security and protection.
The All PM Package Employees Forum said in its letter that the “repeated circulation of such threat letters and posters, particularly those containing sensitive personal information”, is a matter of grave concern.
On the fresh threats, CM Omar Abdullah said, “This has indeed become a serious issue. They should not be receiving threats at all. The law and order and security administrations, including the police and our intelligence agencies must not take these matters lightly. They need to thoroughly investigate the source of these threats, as ensuring the safety and security of all our employees is a major responsibility of the police. A full investigation must be conducted.”
(With inputs from agencies)