Chinese pistol, grenades seized as two suspected terror associates arrested in Kulgam

Security forces arrested two suspected terror associates during a Naka checking operation in the Paniwah area of south Kashmir's Kulgam district on Sunday and recovered a Chinese-made pistol, ammunition and two hand grenades from their possession.

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A joint team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was manning the checkpoint when the two men approached from an orchard and agricultural area, heading towards Kulgam town. Officials said the duo attempted to flee after noticing the Naka, but security personnel quickly intercepted and overpowered them.

The arrested men were identified as Tahir Bilal, son of Bilal Ahmad Bhat, and Muneeb Yasin, son of the late Mohammad Yasin.

A search of their belongings led to the recovery of one Chinese-made pistol, a magazine, two 9 mm rounds and two Chinese hand grenades. Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to establish the duo's alleged links, identify their handlers and determine whether they were part of a wider network. The two men are being questioned.

The recovery comes amid continued security operations against suspected over-ground workers (OGWs) and terror associates in south Kashmir. Kulgam has remained a focus of counter-terror operations, with security forces keeping a close watch on networks suspected of providing weapons, logistical support and other assistance to active terrorists.

A week earlier, security forces had arrested five alleged terror associates in the same district and recovered pistols and grenades, according to the information provided.

Although the number of active local terrorists in the Valley has reportedly declined, security agencies continue to remain alert to the threat posed by residual networks, OGWs, foreign terrorists and the smuggling of weapons. Security checks have also been stepped up around important routes and during festivals.

In September, Rajouri Police busted an alleged over-ground worker (OGW) network linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit in the Pir Panjal region and arrested three people.

The arrested men were identified as Zakir Hussain, son of Ghulam Hussain, and Mohd Azam, son of Ali Bahadur, both residents of Kotcharwal Teryath in Rajouri district, and Mohd Mushtaq, son of Mohd Iqbal, a resident of Udhan in the district.

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