Anantnag: Security forces on Tuesday busted a militant hideout concealed deep inside the Hornag–Watkash forest area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The joint operation, carried out by the Army’s 19 Rashtriya Rifles and Jammu and Kashmir Police, led to the discovery of a hideout camouflaged with mud, wood, and grass.
Officials told Kashmir News Trust that the hideout was unearthed during a cordon-and-search operation launched after specific intelligence inputs indicated the possible presence of militant infrastructure in the forest belt. The dense terrain, known for its thick cover and rugged slopes, was combed extensively before the security teams identified the site.
“On close inspection, it was found that the hideout had been dug deep into the ground and cleverly camouflaged with natural materials such as wooden logs, layers of mud, and patches of grass. It appeared to be designed to escape aerial detection as well as ground patrols,” an officer involved in the operation said.
During the search, forces recovered several items from the hideout, including bags, clothing, digging tools, and a gas cylinder. Security personnel said these recoveries indicate that the site may have been used for extended stays or to facilitate logistical support for militants operating in the area. Officials added that some “likely war-like stores” were also recovered, though details of the exact nature of those items are still being verified.
Police sources in Anantnag said the operation highlights the persistent efforts of militants to exploit remote forest belts as shelters. “The recovery of a gas cylinder and tools suggests that the hideout was meant to be a functional base, not just a temporary shelter. Investigations are on to determine which group may have used or constructed it,” a police officer stated. [KNT]
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