Srinagar, Aug 31 (IANS) Joint security forces on Monday busted a terror hideout in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district and recovered arms and ammunition during the operation.

Officials said the joint operation was launched by the J&K Police, 44 Rashtriya Rifles of the Army and the CRPF at Naikpora Memender in the district on specific input.

“During searches in an orchard area, the team busted a hideout and recovered arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one pistol, one grenade and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition,” the officials said.

“Further investigation has been launched to ascertain the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons,” the officials added.

The security forces have recently conducted multiple intense anti-militancy operations and cordons in South Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, and Shopian amid heightened security measures.

In Kulgam district, joint operations were launched in the Akhal Devsar and Guddar forest areas, utilising high-tech surveillance equipment and elite forces. Encounters earlier in the summer also resulted in terrorist killings.

In Anantnag district, operations were carried out in the Achabal and Kokernag (Ahlan Gagarmandu forest) areas following intelligence inputs regarding terrorist movements, leading to intense gunfights and exchanges of fire.

In Shopian district, anti-terrorist sweeps resulted in the elimination of several Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, including Zakir Ganai, following extended engagements in the area.

Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma recently visited South Kashmir to review the security grid, operational preparedness, and the integration of advanced technology for enhanced intelligence gathering and surveillance.

Joint control centres and inter-agency coordination between the Army, Police, and the CRPF have been heavily reinforced across South Kashmir

In addition, massive cordon and search operations are being carried out in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi in the Jammu division.

These operations have been launched after reports of movements of terrorists in the higher reaches of these districts.

–IANS

sq/dpb