Kulgam terror associates arrested as security forces recover Chinese pistol and grenades in J&K
Police, Army and CRPF teams intercept suspects fleeing an orchard near Paniwah, seizing weapons and hand grenades.
Security forces arrest two terror associates in Kulgam
Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have apprehended two suspected terror associates in Kulgam district, intercepting them with a Chinese pistol, ammunition, and hand grenades before any attack could be carried out.
The operation took place on Sunday at around 11:30 am during a joint security check at Paniwah, near Kulgam town. Security personnel spotted two men walking towards the town from an adjacent orchard area. When the duo noticed the security checkpoint, they attempted to turn back and flee, but were rapidly surrounded and taken into custody by forces on duty.
The joint team comprised personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army's 9 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 18th Battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force.
Suspects identified and weapons seized
Following their apprehension, police identified the two men as residents of Bugam village in Kulgam district. Preliminary searches yielded illegal arms and explosives carried by the suspects.
| Suspect | Residence | Recovered Items |
|---|---|---|
| Muneeb Yaseen Rather | Bugam | 1 Chinese pistol, 1 magazine, 2 live 9 mm rounds |
| Tahir Bilal | Bugam | 2 live Chinese hand grenades |
Police registered FIR No. 213/2026 under relevant legal sections at the Kulgam police station. Sustained questioning of both individuals is currently underway to ascertain their operational links, targets, and logistics network within the region.
Sustained focus on regional security
The successful arrest underscores the heightened vigilance maintained by Indian security agencies across South Kashmir, preventing potential threats to civilian safety and national stability.
In a related security effort in Srinagar, authorities put up notices in public areas, including Lal Chowk's Pratap Park, seeking details on four wanted terror operatives. The notices named Mohammad Lateef Bhat of Kulgam—wanted for his involvement in the killing of a police officer in Anantnag in July—alongside Baramulla residents Bilal Ahmad Mir, Mohammad Umar Mir, and Abid Qayoom Lone, who are believed to be operating from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities offered financial rewards for credible information while assuring full confidentiality for informants.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Suspects arrested | 2 | Jammu and Kashmir Police |
| Weapons seized | 1 Chinese pistol, 1 magazine, 2 live 9 mm rounds, 2 Chinese hand grenades | Jammu and Kashmir Police |
| FIR Registered | FIR No. 213/2026 at Police Station Kulgam | Jammu and Kashmir Police |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Muneeb Yaseen Rather | Suspected terror associate arrested carrying a pistol and live rounds |
| Tahir Bilal | Suspected terror associate arrested carrying two hand grenades |
| Jammu and Kashmir Police | Primary security agency involved in checkpoint operation and FIR registration |
| Indian Army | 9 Rashtriya Rifles unit involved in the joint apprehending operation |
| CRPF | 18th Battalion personnel participated in joint checkpoint operation |
| Kulgam | District in South Kashmir where the arrests took place |
