J&K: Tip off from election observer led to recovery of arms in Kupwara

Srinagar: A tip off from a special election observer deployed for the Assembly polls led to the recovery of a large cache of arms ammunition along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Wednesday, officials said.

The security forces on Wednesday recovered a large quantity of ammunition and explosives in the Keran Sector of Kupwara based on input.

Srinagar based defence spokesman said the recovery was significant considering the current security situation and upcoming important events in Jammu and Kashmir.

“The intelligence tip off was from a special election observer deployed in J&K and has possibly helped avert a major incident in North Kashmir," he said.

The spokesman said based on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation by the Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police was launched in the Keran Sector.

“Searches in the indicated area led to the recovery of a very large cache of arms, ammunition, and explosives, including AK 47 rounds, hand grenades, RPG rounds, material for improvised explosive devices, and other warlike stores,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the security forces are committed to keeping the environment stable and peaceful in the region.

Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up for the three phased assembly polls beginning next week. These polls are being held in J&K after a gap of 10 years.

The Election Commission has deployed nearly 200 observers for the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.