What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Hindu Voice Team: In a dramatic operation that once again exposed Pakistan’s unrelenting terror designs, Jammu & Kashmir Police have foiled a major attempt by Hizbul Mujahideen to resurrect its network in the Pir Panjal region. A staggering cache of seven AK-47 rifles, multiple magazines, and ammunition has been recovered over the past two weeks in Poonch, along with the arrest of three men allegedly acting as conduits for the Pakistan-backed terror outfit.
Pakistan’s Hand Behind Border Smuggling
On Sunday, September 14, security forces struck a decisive blow when they discovered three AK-47 rifles and seven magazines hidden near the LoC fence in Sawjian, a remote area of Poonch. The recovery came after weeks of surveillance, adding to four rifles seized earlier this month — bringing the total to seven AK-47s confiscated in just a fortnight.
According to investigators, the weapons had been dropped by Pakistani handlers from across the border and were meant to be ferried inside by local sympathizers. This method of cross-border smuggling — using the difficult mountainous terrain to hide arms consignments — is a long-favored tactic of terror groups backed by Islamabad.
Arrests Expose the Revival Plan
The crackdown led to the arrest of three Army porters in their 20s — Tariq Sheikh (Azamabad), Riyaz Ahmad, and Mohammad Shafi (Chamber Kinari). Police sources confirmed that the men were tasked with retrieving and transporting the smuggled rifles deeper into Indian territory.
Investigators believe the consignment is directly linked to Hizbul Mujahideen commander Habibullah, a veteran militant who crossed into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the 1990s. Intelligence now suggests that Habibullah, with Pakistan’s full backing, has been attempting to revive Hizbul’s dormant terror network in the Pir Panjal region.
A Grave Threat to Peace
Police officials said the recoveries have averted a major terror escalation in Jammu’s border districts. The presence of multiple AK-47s in the hands of militants could have been used for targeted killings of civilians, ambushes on security forces, and an overall destabilization of the peace in the region.
Inspector General of Police (Jammu) Bhimsen Tuti praised the investigating teams:
“This recovery demonstrates the relentless commitment of J&K Police. By seizing seven AK-47 rifles and arresting the operatives involved, we have struck a serious blow to the terrorist infrastructure being plotted across the border.”
People Relieved, But Cautious
In villages near Poonch’s LoC, locals expressed relief at the police action but warned that Pakistan’s designs remain unchanged. “Every time peace returns, they try to send weapons. We are thankful the police caught this before it reached terrorists,” said a resident from Sawjian.
Security agencies are continuing interrogation of the arrested trio and are probing whether more local conduits are part of Habibullah’s network. A wider crackdown is expected across Rajouri and Poonch in the coming days.
The recovery of seven AK-47 rifles in a short span underlines how Pakistan’s terror machinery is still actively trying to ignite militancy in J&K. Hizbul Mujahideen’s attempt at revival may have been foiled this time, but security forces remain on high alert.
(The above story has been written based on an Article published on OpIndia. You can read the original piece here)
