Counter-terrorism units in South Kashmir scored a key breakthrough in Pulwama district after joint security forces acted on specific intelligence inputs to apprehend two terror associates. The arrests took place during a targeted cordon and search operation in the Yarwan forest area near CB Nath in Rajpora. Weapons and live ammunition were recovered from the duo, prompting security personnel to further intensify surveillance across the region.
Joint Search Conducted in Yarwan Forest
Acting on actionable intel regarding suspicious terrorist movement in the Rajpora belt of Pulwama, a combined operational team was mobilized. The joint operation involved the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army's 44 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 183 Battalion of the CRPF. On the intervening night of August 24 and 25, forces established a tight perimeter around CB Nath and the adjoining Yarwan forest to execute a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO).
During the midnight sweep, troops spotted two men moving suspiciously through the forest path heading toward CB Nath village. Security personnel moved quickly to intercept both individuals. Following initial questioning and a thorough physical search, both were taken into custody after weapons were uncovered in their possession.
Identity of Apprehended Suspects and Seized Munitions
Official details identify the two arrested individuals as Latif Ahmad Deedar, son of Ghulam Mohammad Deedar and resident of Lassi Daban, and Aijaz Ahmad Baazad, son of Nazir Ahmad Baazad and resident of Bun Kha Bamnoo. The search led to the recovery of one pistol, 12 live rounds of ammunition, and one hand grenade from their possession.
Following the seizure, police formally registered FIR No. 118/2026 at Rajpora Police Station. The case has been framed under Section 7/25 of the Arms Act along with Sections 13, 18, 23, and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Investigating agencies are currently probing the origin of the weapons and analyzing the suspects' operational links with active terror groups.
Parallel Seizures and Arrests in Sopore and Shopian
The Pulwama arrests coincide with broader counter-terror sweeps executed across the Kashmir Valley. In Sopore, security forces recovered a stash of weapons and ammunition from a vacant house. The property belonged to a Kashmiri Pandit family that had migrated from the valley in 1990.
Simultaneously, on the same night in South Kashmir's Shopian district, troops achieved another operational success. During vehicle checking near Padpawan on the Mughal Road, security forces intercepted three suspected Over Ground Workers (OGWs). The search yielded two hand grenades along with five posters belonging to the terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. These back-to-back operations underline the high state of alert maintained by security agencies across the valley.
Enhanced Security Measures Amid Threat Notes to Kashmiri Pandits
These tactical operations come against the backdrop of renewed security concerns regarding the safety of the Kashmiri Pandit community. A threat note circulated on social media platforms recently, marking the second such threatening letter aimed at the community within a span of 15 days.
The latest communication was issued by the terror outfit United Liberation Front (ULF). The note contained specific names and residential addresses, accompanied by warning messages claiming that the group was monitoring movement. Security forces have since strengthened patrolling and protection protocols in sensitive pockets across the valley.
