Srinagar/ August 30: The Indian Army busted multiple terrorist hideouts along the LOC in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Tuesday and recovered huge cache of arms that were meant to be delivered to other terrorists. Defence spokesman in Srinagar Rajesh Kalia said that the alert Indian troops detected movement of suspicious persons along the Line of Control (LOC) in Rampur Sector, Baramulla district on August 30 and then took necessary action.
“The movement was from a village close to the Line of Control and the suspects crossed into Indian territory. Due to terrain of thick foliage and weather condition an alert of likely infiltration attempt was sounded,” said Colonel Rajesh Kalia, adding that “…the Surveillance Grid was beefed up all across the area and along the likely infiltration routes; ambushes were sighted to thwart any attempt of infiltration. Surveillance continued throughout the night.” He said that subsequently, next morning at around 5 AM a search of the area was carried out.
“After extensive search of seven hours, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from well concealed locations in two hideouts in Rampur Sector (of Uri area of Baramulla. “The cache of arms recovered comprises of five AK Series Rifles (along with six magazines and two sealed boxes with 1,254 rounds of AK ammunition), six pistols (with nine magazines and six rounds), twenty one grenades, two UBGL grenades and two Kenwood Radio sets with one antenna,” said the Defence spokesman.
He further added that the area has villages ahead of the anti-infiltration fence. “The suspected modus operandi is to drop war like stores in caches near the Line of Control, subsequently OGWs (Over Ground Workers) or terrorists would pick the same for further transportation into the hinterland for militant activities,” said Colonel, adding that “…as reported earlier, similar attempts were made on July 22, 2020 when inputs were received regarding likely weapons drop along the Line of Control ahead of the anti-infiltration fence. During the search operation along the Line of Control in Rampur Sector, Baramulla, 1 AKS-74U with magazines, 5 pistols (one with Chinese markings) and magazines, 24 grenades and other warlike stores were recovered.”
The Army spokesman said that the modus operandi shows desperate attempts by Pakistan-based terrorist groups to infiltrate weapons into J&K for terror activities, with active connivance of Pakistan Army. “Robust surveillance and Line of Control domination activities will continue to deny all such misadventures,” the defence spokesman said.
[…] This year the press conference was addressed by General Manoj Mukund Naravane. It was the second time in his tenure that he was addressing the same. In his opening remarks he lauded the “supreme sacrifice” of the brave hearts in the line of duty. He went on to convey to all ranks of the army, defence civilians, families, veer naris and veterans a very happy new year and best wishes on the occasion of the Army Day. He also conveyed best wishes to all citizens of the country on behalf of the army. […]