Sopore, October 10: Police have recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and explosives from a forest area in north Kashmir’s Sopore, registering a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and other relevant laws.
According to police, the recovery was made during a cordon-and-search operation in the Mukaam Cherhar forest area, falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station Bomai, following specific intelligence inputs.
During the search, a blue barrel and a bag concealed beneath a large boulder were found. The Bomb Disposal Squad was subsequently called to examine and safely handle the suspected explosive material.
The seized items included two assault rifles, identified as an AK-47 and an AK-76, four pistols, seven rifle magazines, four pistol magazines, ammunition, a multi-grenade launcher with five rounds and 11 hand grenades.
Police also recovered three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) fitted with remote controls, eight detonators, two timers and other materials, including wires, battery cells, prima cords and IED-related components.
An FIR (No. 66/2026) has been registered at Police Station Bomai under Sections 13, 18, 20 and 23 of the UAPA, Sections 7/25 of the Arms Act and Section 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Police said further investigation is underway to establish the source and ownership of the recovered material, identify those responsible for concealing it and ascertain possible links to terrorist activities.
The circumstances surrounding the concealment of the arms and explosives are also being investigated.
