Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police uncovered a hidden arms cache during a meticulously planned search operation in the dense Bhalara Forest area of Doda district on Sunday. The operation, conducted under the direct supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Mehta, yielded one Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), two magazines, and 22 live rounds concealed in the forested terrain falling under Thathri Police Station jurisdiction.

Acting on precise intelligence inputs, the joint team swiftly cordoned off the area and carried out an intensive search of the rugged, militancy-prone belt. Authorities described the recovery as a critical achievement that has prevented the weapons from reaching anti-national elements who could have used them to disturb peace and target security forces or civilians in the region.

The seizure reinforces the heightened vigilance of Jammu and Kashmir Police in Doda, a district that has witnessed sporadic attempts by militant groups to re-establish hideouts in its upper reaches. Officials emphasised that such proactive operations are integral to strengthening the overall security grid and maintaining stability across sensitive areas of Jammu division.

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A detailed investigation has been launched to trace the origin of the recovered weapon and identify the individuals or outfits responsible for stockpiling the arms. Forensic examination of the rifle and ammunition is underway, while intelligence agencies are working to establish possible links with active terrorist modules operating along the Chenab valley.

This successful operation comes amid sustained counter-terrorism efforts across Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating the determination of security forces to neutralise threats and ensure lasting peace in the Union Territory following years of concerted anti-militancy campaigns.

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