Terror hideout busted in J&K's Shopian; AK-47, pistol, grenades seized
Synopsis
Security forces uncovered a terror hideout in J&K's Shopian, pulling out an AK-47, a pistol, a grenade, and over 60 rounds of ammunition from an orchard. The bust is part of a sweeping, multi-district anti-militancy offensive across South Kashmir and the Jammu division — one of the most intensive security pushes the region has seen this year.
Key Takeaways
Joint forces of J&K Police , 44 Rashtriya Rifles , and CRPF busted a terror hideout at Naikpora Memender, Shopian on Monday .
Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle , two AK-47 magazines , 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition , one pistol , one grenade , and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition .
Investigation launched to determine the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons.
Anti-militancy operations are simultaneously active in Kulgam , Anantnag , and Shopian , with Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives including Zakir Ganai previously eliminated.
Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma recently reviewed the South Kashmir security grid and operational preparedness.
Cordon and search operations are also under way across eight districts in the Jammu division .
Joint security forces on Monday busted a terror hideout in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition including an AK-47 rifle, a pistol, and a grenade during a targeted operation. The operation, carried out on specific intelligence inputs, marks the latest in a series of intensified anti-militancy drives across South Kashmir.
How the Operation Unfolded
The joint operation was launched by the J&K Police, the 44 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Naikpora Memender in Shopian district. Searches conducted in an orchard area led the team to the concealed hideout.
'During searches in an orchard area, the team busted a hideout and recovered arms and ammunition including one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one pistol, one grenade and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition,' officials said. A further investigation has been launched, according to officials, 'to ascertain the origin and intended use of the recovered weapons.'
Wider Security Crackdown Across South Kashmir
The Shopian haul is part of a broader, sustained security offensive across South Kashmir's most sensitive districts. In Kulgam, joint operations have been conducted in the Akhal Devsar and Guddar forest areas, deploying high-tech surveillance equipment and elite forces. Earlier encounters this summer resulted in the killing of several militants.
In Anantnag, operations in the Achabal and Kokernag (Ahlan Gagarmandu forest) areas — triggered by intelligence inputs on terrorist movements — led to intense exchanges of fire. Anti-terrorist sweeps in Shopian itself have previously resulted in the elimination of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operatives, including Zakir Ganai, following extended engagements.
Senior Army Command Reviews Security Grid
Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma recently visited South Kashmir to review the security grid, operational preparedness, and the integration of advanced technology for intelligence gathering and surveillance. Joint control centres and inter-agency coordination between the Army, Police, and CRPF have been significantly reinforced across the region.
Operations Extended to Jammu Division
The security offensive is not confined to the Kashmir Valley. Massive cordon and search operations are simultaneously under way in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi in the Jammu division, following reports of terrorist movements in the higher reaches of these districts. The multi-front operational tempo signals a concerted effort to disrupt militant logistics and supply chains ahead of the winter months.
Point of View
Even as security forces claim operational dominance. The simultaneous pressure across Kulgam, Anantnag, and eight Jammu division districts suggests intelligence agencies are tracking a resurgence in supply lines rather than isolated incidents. The visit by Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma to review the 'security grid' is an unusual public signal — such visits are rarely publicised unless commanders want to project resolve. The unanswered question is whether the weapons cache was pre-positioned for an imminent operation, and the investigation's findings on origin and intended use will be the real measure of this operation's strategic value.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was recovered in the Shopian terror hideout bust?
Security forces recovered one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one pistol, one grenade, and six rounds of 9 mm ammunition from a hideout in an orchard area at Naikpora Memender in Shopian district. An investigation has been launched to trace the origin and intended use of the weapons.
Which security agencies conducted the Shopian operation?
The operation was a joint effort by the J&K Police, the 44 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army, and the CRPF. It was launched on the basis of specific intelligence inputs.
How does this fit into the broader security situation in South Kashmir?
The Shopian bust is part of a sustained anti-militancy offensive across South Kashmir, with simultaneous operations in Kulgam and Anantnag. Earlier this year, encounters in Shopian led to the elimination of Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives including Zakir Ganai.
Are security operations also under way in the Jammu division?
Yes. Massive cordon and search operations are ongoing in eight districts of the Jammu division — Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Udhampur, and Reasi — following reports of terrorist movements in higher-altitude areas.
What is the significance of the Northern Army Commander's visit to South Kashmir?
Northern Army Commander Lt General Pratik Sharma recently visited South Kashmir to review the security grid, operational readiness, and integration of advanced surveillance technology. The visit underscores the strategic priority the Army is placing on the ongoing anti-militancy operations in the region.
