KUPWARA, January 06, 2026 — Security forces achieved a significant breakthrough today after a high-stakes joint operation in the dense Pothshai forest led to the discovery of a militant hideout stocked with arms, ammunition, and survival supplies.
The operation, spearheaded by the 47 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and the 162 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF), targeted specific forest coordinates following intelligence inputs regarding suspicious activity in the area.
During the meticulous search, troops recovered a lethal assortment of weaponry, including 34 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a Chinese pistol magazine, and five hand grenades.
To ensure the safety of the surrounding area, the grenades were immediately destroyed in-situ by expert teams.Beyond the weaponry, the discovery of extensive “war-like stores” provides a rare glimpse into the logistical footprint of militants operating in the North Kashmir wilderness.
Recovered items included a gas stove, cooking utensils, loose flour (atta), and food wrappers from biscuits and Maggi, alongside survival gear such as a combat pouch, blue tarpaulin, and pink foam for bedding.
The presence of medicines, a housewife kit, and clothing items further confirms that the site was being used as a long-term shelter.
Officials stated that the recovery of these incriminating materials strongly indicates recent militant movement in the Pothshai forest. Security forces have since intensified vigilance in the sector to track down any individuals associated with the site.
