SRINAGAR: Police on Saturday recovered a large cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from the Mukaam Cherhar forest area in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
According to a police handout, the recovery was made during a cordon-and-search operation launched by Sopore Police following specific intelligence inputs. The operation was conducted in the forest area falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai.
During the search, personnel discovered a blue barrel and a bag concealed beneath a large boulder. The Bomb Disposal Squad was subsequently called in to examine the suspected explosive material and ensure its safe handling.
The seizure included two assault rifles — one AK-47 and one AK-76 — along with seven magazines, four pistols and four pistol magazines. Police also recovered a multi-grenade launcher (MGL) with five rounds, 11 hand grenades, three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fitted with remote controls, eight detonators and two timers.
Other material seized from the site included a Y-SMS set, prima cords, wires, battery cells, IED-related components and miscellaneous accessories, the handout said.
Police said the recovered weapons and explosive material had been taken into possession in accordance with legal procedures and the required safety precautions.
In connection with the recovery, FIR No. 66/2026 has been registered at Police Station Bomai under Sections 13, 18, 20 and 23 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Further investigation is under way to establish the source and ownership of the cache, identify those responsible for concealing it and determine whether it has any links to militant activities.
