BY PC BUREAU
In a major breakthrough following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, security forces have busted a terrorist hideout in the forested region of Jammu and Kashmir, recovering a substantial cache of arms and ammunition. The operation, conducted jointly by the Special Operations Group (SOG) Camp Machil and the Indian Army’s 12 SIKHLI unit, has dealt a major blow to the terrorist network believed to be linked to the April 22 attack in Baisaran Valley.
Acting on precise intelligence inputs, security forces launched a meticulous operation in the dense forests of Sedori Nala, Mushtaqabad Machil (Samsha Behak forest region). The search culminated in the discovery and dismantling of a terrorist hideout. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the recovered arsenal includes:
- 5 AK-47 rifles
- 8 AK-47 magazines
- 660 rounds of AK-47 ammunition
- 1 pistol with 1 magazine and 1 round
- 50 rounds of M4 ammunition
The recovery underscores the scale of planning by terrorist groups operating in the region and highlights the relentless efforts of security forces to neutralize threats. Authorities suspect the hideout was used to store weapons for future attacks, potentially linked to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its offshoot, The Resistance Front (TRF), which initially claimed responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.
Kupwara, 26 Apr: A terrorist hideout was busted in Sedori Nala, Machil by SOG Machil & Army’s 12 SIKHLI. Major cache recovered: 5 AK-47s, ammo, pistol, M4 rounds. A big blow to terror plans; peace and public safety upheld. Investigation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/gSdtKj3ReF
— DISTRICT POLICE KUPWARA. (@KupwaraCops) April 26, 2025
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In response to the attack, security forces have escalated operations across Jammu and Kashmir. In a separate action, the houses of five suspected terrorists were demolished in Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts, including those of Zakir Ahmad Ganie in Kulgam and another suspect in Chotipora, Shopian, believed to be linked to the Pahalgam massacre. Additionally, around 175 suspects have been detained for questioning to dismantle terrorist support networks.
On April 25, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist associate, Altaf Lalli, was killed in an encounter in Bandipora, further tightening the noose around terrorist operatives. Two terrorist aides were also arrested in Kulgam, with arms, including two pistols, two magazines, and 25 bullets, recovered.
The attack has sparked widespread condemnation and protests. In London, members of the Indian diaspora staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Pakistan High Commission, accusing Pakistan of harboring terror groups. Similar protests erupted in Kathmandu, where Nagarik Yuva Shakti Nepal demanded justice for the victims, including a Nepali tourist, 27-year-old Sudip Neupane. In India, markets in Bhopal shut down on April 25, and candlelight marches, including one led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi, paid homage to the victims.
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The attack has raised questions about security protocols, as the Baisaran meadow, a popular tourist spot, was opened without police permission, a lapse highlighted during an all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The meadow’s remote location, accessible only by foot or pony, and the absence of security presence on the day of the attack have fueled demands for accountability
