Significant Recovery of Weapons and Ammunition in J&K's Doda

Synopsis
A significant recovery of arms and ammunition was made in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda district during a search operation, indicating rising militancy concerns in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 25 AK-series ammunition pieces seized.
- Operation conducted in Balra area.
- Security forces suspect militancy revival.
- Over 4,000 commandos deployed in forests.
- Notable decline in terrorist attacks post-strategy revision.
Jammu, March 23 (NationPress) A substantial cache of arms and ammunition was recovered during an extensive search operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, according to the security forces on Sunday.
Officials indicated that the recovery took place during searches in the Balra area of Doda’s Bhaderwah tehsil.
“During the collaborative search operation, 25 pieces of AK-series ammunition, one pistol, three pistol magazines, and six pieces of pistol ammunition were seized. This represents a significant find that indicates the presence of subversive elements in the region. Ongoing investigations aim to ascertain their origin and intended target,” the officials stated.
“The operation stemmed from intelligence inputs, with security forces suspecting efforts to revive militancy in the area. The possession of such weapons presents a serious threat, and steps are being taken to identify those responsible for the storage of these weapons,” officials added.
Over the past six months, terrorists have been increasingly active in the hilly districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, and Kathua within the Jammu division.
The densely forested regions in these districts have served as hiding spots for terrorists, primarily believed to be hardcore foreign mercenaries.
The modus operandi of these terrorists has involved executing hit-and-run attacks and rapidly retreating into the thick forests.
To counter these terrorist designs, the Army and security forces have revised their strategies.
Rather than relying solely on Cordon & Search Operations (CASOs), the Army and security forces are now positioned deep within these forested areas.
More than 4,000 elite commandos, trained in jungle warfare, are now stationed deep in the forests of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, and Ramban districts.
Following the strategic revision by the Army and security forces, there has been a notable decrease in the stealthy terrorist attacks in these regions.
Additionally, there are reports that hiding terrorists are attempting to infiltrate the Valley after their capacity to execute terror attacks in the Jammu division was hindered due to the extensive deployment of joint forces there.