J&K: Security Forces seize explosives, grenades in Poonch, apprehend suspect linked to POK handler

A man associated with a suspected terror group was apprehended by the security forces on Thursday evening in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir carrying a huge amount of explosive substance and grenades, as per officials.

According to the Jammu and Kashmir Ghaznavi Force, a joint Naka was laid down by the Jammu-Kashmir Police, the Romeo Force of 16 RR of the Indian Army and the 38 battalions of the Central Reserve Police Forces at Potha bypass in Poonch district.

At the Naka, the security personnel noticed a person coming from Surankot towards Potha in a very suspicious manner. Upon arriving near the Naka, the suspect tried to escape from the place but was apprehended by the security forces.

During the search, the forces recovered a blue bag containing three HE-36 hand grenades, explosive substances and other incriminating material from his possession.

After the preliminary investigation, it was found that the man identified as Mohd Shabir was a resident of Daryala, Nowshera and was in touch with a handler named Azim Khan, alias Mudeer, from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).

Mudeer directed Shabir to collect these consignments from Surankot town. The police have taken cognisance of the matter and more arrests are expected on this matter.