215 Rounds of Pika Gun Ammunition Found in Poonch; Search Intensifies in Rajouri

JAMMU: Security forces recovered 215 rounds of Pika gun ammunition from a terrorist hideout in the border district of Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, late Tuesday night. The recovery was made by a Special Operations Group (SOG) team during a routine patrol in Sawajian Gagranga village in Mandi tehsil, officials said. Police have launched an investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, a cordon-and-search operation in Thanamandi in the neighbouring Rajouri district entered its second day on Wednesday. The operation was launched to trace two terror suspects who were allegedly captured on CCTV cameras crossing a road late Sunday night. The footage, which went viral on social media Monday night, prompted a joint team of personnel from the Army, J&K Police's SOG, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to begin the search early Tuesday.

Security forces continued combing operations in the Bhanghai Top, Karyote, and Kopra Top areas, along with adjoining forested villages. The search remains ongoing as authorities attempt to locate the suspects.

In a related development, Operation Sheruwali — a joint combing operation underway since May 23 in the forested Dorimal-Gambhir-Mughlan belt in Rajouri's Manjakote sector — entered its 54th day on Wednesday. The operation is aimed at tracking a group of two to three elusive militants believed to be hiding in the area. The prolonged operation highlights the persistent security challenges in the region, which has seen a series of anti-terror operations in recent months.

The recovery of Pika gun ammunition is significant as the weapon is often used by militants in the region. The Pika gun, a type of sniper rifle, has been frequently employed in attacks on security forces. The confiscation of such a large quantity of ammunition is seen as a blow to militant logistics in the border district.

Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The security grid in the Jammu region has been tightened, with regular patrols and intelligence-led operations being conducted to prevent militant infiltration and attacks.