Was a Terrorist Hideout Exposed in J&K’s Poonch?

Synopsis
A significant operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district has led to the dismantling of a terrorist hideout, recovering IEDs and equipment. This comes in the wake of a tragic attack that claimed many lives, prompting heightened security measures across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Five IEDs recovered and destroyed in Poonch.
- Joint operations by Army and J&K Police.
- Increased security measures across the region.
- National outrage following the Pahalgam attack.
- Government response includes deportations and trade cancellations with Pakistan.
Jammu, May 5 (NationPress) Officials reported that a terrorist hideout was dismantled in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, resulting in the recovery of five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and two wireless sets.
The authorities revealed that the five operational IEDs, which ranged in weight from half a kg to five kgs, were safely destroyed through a controlled detonation at the scene, effectively preventing potential terrorist activities in the border region.
“The operation to uncover the hideout was carried out collaboratively by the Army and the special operations group (SoG) of J&K Police in the Suranthal area of Marhote in Surankote late on Sunday evening,” officials stated.
Among the findings, two IEDs were discovered concealed within steel buckets, while three others were stored in tiffin boxes. Additionally, the operation yielded two wireless sets, five packets of urea, one five-litre gas cylinder, a pair of binoculars, three woollen caps, three blankets, along with trousers and utensils.
In response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and a local resident in Baisaran meadow, security forces have intensified operations across the Valley and the Jammu division targeting terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers.
Security protocols have been reinforced statewide, with additional checkpoints established on major highways and in sensitive locations, including key installations and tourist areas.
A comprehensive, technology-driven operation has been ongoing since April 22 in southern Kashmir to locate the five terrorists believed responsible for the heinous attack against unarmed tourists in Baisaran meadow.
The massacre has ignited national outrage, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant operational autonomy to the armed forces to retaliate against the Pahalgam terror attack.
In the wake of the Pahalgam incident, the government has announced a series of measures, including the deportation of all Pakistani nationals, a halt to operations at the Attari-Wagah border, suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, cancellation of all trade and cultural exchanges with Pakistan, and cessation of mail and parcel services originating from Pakistan.