Sarvjeet Singh
Kathua,(DD)In a chilling reminder of the persistent threats lurking along the International Border, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district unearthed a consignment of war-like stores during a late-night operation. The seizure—led by the vigilant efforts of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shobit Saxena—included a sophisticated US-made M4 rifle, two AK-series assault rifles, magazines, ammunition, and an unusual but telling detail: a stock of dry fruits.
The recovery was made near the border fence in the Hiranagar sector, an area often used by infiltrators and arms smugglers operating with support from across the border. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a team from the J&K Police and BSF launched a coordinated sweep in the area, which led to the unearthing of a freshly concealed stash buried under loose soil and covered with foliage.
“The recovery of an M4 rifle is particularly significant,” SSP Saxena told reporters. “It shows the kind of weaponry being pushed across to destabilize peace in Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of dry fruits alongside arms suggests preparations for long-term militant activity in the hinterlands.”
Officials believe the consignment was part of a terror supply chain intended to equip sleeper cells or newly infiltrated terrorists ahead of the summer season—typically a time of heightened insurgency-related activities. Investigators are also probing links with recent drone sightings and prior cross-border arms drops.
This incident comes amidst increased security measures ahead of the upcoming elections in the Union Territory and a string of counter-insurgency successes in the region. Police have launched a manhunt to identify local conduits or Over Ground Workers (OGWs) who may have been assigned to retrieve the dropped weapons.
The operation marks a major success for law enforcement agencies and underscores the critical importance of continued vigilance along Jammu and Kashmir’s borders. SSP Saxena reaffirmed the commitment of the police and security forces to foil every attempt to disrupt peace and harmony in the region (DD)
