Security forces arrested two suspected associates of terrorists during a coordinated operation in a forest area of Pulwama district, officials said on Tuesday. A pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition and a hand grenade were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
The arrests were made in the Yarwan forest area near CB Nath in Rajpora as part of efforts by security agencies to disrupt networks supporting militant activities in south Kashmir. The operation involved the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army personnel and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
According to officials, the security forces launched a Cordon and Search Operation after receiving coordinated intelligence inputs regarding suspicious activity in the forested area. The teams maintained surveillance around the area and subsequently noticed two individuals emerging from the forest in the direction of CB Nath village.
The individuals reportedly behaved suspiciously, prompting the security personnel to move in and detain them. Both suspects were taken into custody for questioning and further investigation.
The arrested men have been identified as Latif Ahmad Deedad and Aejaz Ahmad Bajad. Officials said a search of the two men led to the recovery of one pistol, 12 pistol rounds and one hand grenade.
The recovery of the weapons and explosive material is significant for investigators as they seek to determine whether the suspects were involved in providing logistical or other forms of support to active terrorist networks in the region. Security agencies are also examining the possible source of the recovered arms and ammunition.
A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigators are now working to establish the precise role of the two suspects, determine how they obtained the weapons and identify any wider network or individuals who may be connected to them.
Officials said the investigation will also focus on establishing whether the arrested individuals were involved in facilitating terrorist activities, including the movement or concealment of weapons, communication with militant operatives or other forms of logistical assistance.
The operation comes amid continued security efforts across south Kashmir to identify and disrupt support structures associated with terrorism. Forested areas have frequently been subjected to search operations because of their difficult terrain and potential use as temporary movement or concealment routes.
The arrests in Pulwama also followed the detention of three suspected terrorist associates in neighbouring Shopian district a day earlier, highlighting the continuing focus of security agencies on suspected ground-level support networks in the region.
Security forces have increasingly concentrated on identifying individuals suspected of functioning as overground workers or associates who may assist militant groups without necessarily taking part directly in armed attacks. Such networks can provide logistical support, including shelter, transportation, communication assistance and the movement or storage of weapons.
The latest arrests are therefore being viewed by officials in the context of broader counter-terrorism operations aimed at weakening the infrastructure that enables militant groups to operate.
The investigation remains underway, and authorities are expected to examine the recovered weapons and ammunition as well as other evidence gathered during the operation. Investigators will also seek to establish whether the seized material was intended for any planned terrorist activity.
Authorities have maintained that operations of this nature are intended to prevent attempts to disturb peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir by detecting suspected terror-linked networks before they can facilitate further activity.
For now, the two suspects remain in custody as investigators work to establish their alleged activities and possible connections. Further details are expected to emerge as the probe progresses.