Two Suspected Terrorist Associates Arrested in Pulwama Forest, Arms and Ammunition Recovered
In a joint security operation conducted in the Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces apprehended two suspected terrorist associates in a forest area. The operation led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, delivering what officials described as a significant disruption to local terror networks.
What Happened
Acting on coordinated security inputs, a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched in the Yarwan forest area of CB Nath, situated in the Rajpora region of Pulwama district. The operation was carried out jointly by personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
During the search, operational teams spotted two individuals emerging from the forested terrain and walking toward CB Nath village in a suspicious manner. Alert personnel moved swiftly to intercept and detain both individuals. The arrested persons were identified by authorities as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad.
A subsequent search of the two individuals resulted in the recovery of one pistol, 12 rounds of pistol ammunition, and one hand grenade. Both suspects were promptly taken into custody.
Key Highlights
- Joint Security Effort: The Cordon and Search Operation was conducted collaboratively by the Police, Army, and CRPF.
- Location: The operation centered on the Yarwan forest belt near CB Nath village in Rajpora, Pulwama.
- Suspects Apprehended: Officials identified the two suspected overground workers as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad.
- Weapons Seized: Forces seized a pistol, 12 live pistol rounds, and one hand grenade.
- Legal Charges: A case has been registered under applicable sections of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
Why This Matters
Security officials noted that the interception serves as a key operational step toward disrupting logistical support networks that assist militancy in the region. The apprehension of overground workers (OGWs) carrying weapons and explosives directly curtails potential threats to regional peace and stability.
The operation also follows close on the heels of another security action in the nearby Shopian district, where three suspected overground workers were apprehended just hours earlier, highlighting coordinated monitoring across parts of South Kashmir.
What to Watch Next
Following the formal registration of the case under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, authorities have launched an investigation. Key aspects of the inquiry include:
- Establishing the full scope of activities linked to the apprehended duo.
- Tracing the precise origin and supply chain of the recovered pistol, ammunition, and grenade.
- Identifying further local or cross-district linkages to determine whether more collaborators are involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was apprehended in the Pulwama operation?
Security forces arrested two individuals identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad, who officials described as terrorist associates or overground workers.
Where did the search operation take place?
The operation occurred in the Yarwan forest area near CB Nath, Rajpora, located within Jammu and Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
What weapons were seized during the operation?
Authorities recovered one pistol, 12 live rounds of pistol ammunition, and a single hand grenade from the suspects.
Which agencies took part in the apprehension?
The operation was conducted jointly by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the CRPF.
What legal action has been initiated?
Police have registered a formal case under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with ongoing investigations into the supply of arms and broader networks.
Source: Official statements reported by The Hindu.