Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) : Acting on specific information, the Indian Army launched a swift and surgical joint search operation in Sunarthwa Forest near Gosti Bowl in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The team recovered a total of four weapons and war like stores, which included one AK 56 Rifle, two 9 mm Pistols, one country Made Pistol, seven AK Magazines, two 9 mm Pistol Magazines, one Pika Magazine, four UBGL Grenades, five Pakistan origin hand grenades, 1696 Rounds of 7.62 mm AK 47, 1340 Rounds of 7.62 mm CTN, 40 Belted Rounds of Pika, two Binoculars, one Telescopic Night Sight, one camera, ten recording cassettes and sustenance stores from a natural cave hideout in Sunarthwa Forest.
The Army had been getting information of suspicious unidentified movement of the personnel in the general area for the last three months and, therefore, a close watch was being maintained.
The recovered arms likely belong to one of the terrorist tanzeems of the area, active in the past, which could have been hidden for later usage.
The area due to its remoteness and rugged terrain makes it an ideal location for establishing a hideout.
The dense forest and steep gradient increased the degree of difficulty in approach to the intended target area and subsequent search.
The recovery of war like stores was possible only due to the accurate intelligence developed by the Army and launching of well synchronised joint operation with SOG in the dense jungle, in a relentless day and night operation of 36 hours.
Apart from the three columns of the Indian Army, the team also included one Head Constable with six persons of SOG from Thatri Police Station.
The recovered arms and ammunition were handed over to the Thatri Police Station, wherein a FIR has been lodged.
The recovery of a huge cache has given a major success to the Security Forces and a massive blow to the terrorists in the area, thereby preventing the arms and ammunition from falling into the hands of inimical elements, aiming at revival of militancy in Doda. (ANI)