Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar, (DD): In a major security operation, a cache of arms and ammunition was recovered from a government primary school in Larmooh, Awantipora, South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
The operation comes at a critical time, just days ahead of Republic Day, when security forces across Jammu and Kashmir are on high alert to prevent any untoward incidents.
Officials said that the joint operation was carried out by the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army’s 42 Rashtriya Rifles, and the 130 Battalion of the CRPF. The recovered items included a grenade, an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), electric and non-electric detonators, 10 bullets, and a pistol magazine.
“The recovery of such weapons from an educational institution is alarming and raises concerns about attempts to use public spaces for unlawful activities,” an official said. He added that investigations are underway to identify those responsible for storing the weapons in the school and to determine their intended use.
The incident has heightened security concerns as Republic Day draws closer, with authorities now ramping up surveillance and search operations across the region. Schools, public places, and other sensitive areas are under heightened scrutiny to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration.
The use of a government school as a potential hiding spot for weapons has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of such institutions, with calls for increased vigilance and security measures around educational premises. Security experts emphasize the need to uncover and dismantle networks involved in such activities to maintain peace in the region.
The recovery underscores the persistent security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir and the importance of sustained efforts by security forces to neutralize threats, especially during significant national events like Republic Day.(DD)