Five Terrorist Associates Held in Kulgam, Two Pistols, Three Grenades Seized

Security forces have arrested five terrorist associates in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district and recovered two pistols, three magazines, 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition and three grenades from their possession, police said on Wednesday.

According to a police spokesperson, the arrests were made at Khewan Chadder in Kulgam following credible information about the presence and activities of the suspects. The arrested persons were identified as Tajamul Hussain Mir, a resident of Gufbal; Rehmat Ali Naikoo, Tehrim Ahmed Bhat and Manzoor Ahmed Bhat, all residents of Khrewan; and Kifiyat Ahmed Dar, a resident of Maltalhama in Kulgam.

The security forces recovered two pistols and three magazines, along with 40 rounds of 9mm ammunition and three grenades, from the arrested individuals, the spokesperson said.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of law at Kulgam police station. Further investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests and determine the activities and possible links of those arrested, police said.

The operation comes amid continued security operations in south Kashmir aimed at identifying and apprehending individuals suspected of supporting or facilitating terrorist activities.

Authorities have not provided further details about the specific allegations against the five arrested persons or whether they were linked to any particular terrorist organisation. The recovery of firearms, ammunition and grenades is expected to form part of the investigation as agencies ascertain the intended use and source of the seized material.

Police said further details would emerge as the investigation progresses. The identities of the arrested individuals and the recovered arms and ammunition have been documented as part of the case registered at Kulgam police station.

Security agencies have continued to rely on intelligence inputs and coordinated operations in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir to disrupt terrorist networks and their support structures. The latest arrests and recoveries are likely to be examined as part of these ongoing efforts, officials said.