In a major crackdown following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, security forces have intensified their anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir. As part of this high-alert initiative, two terrorist associates were arrested in Budgam, and a significant terror hideout was busted in Poonch district, disrupting what officials believe was a well-planned attempt to carry out further attacks in the region.

Budgam Arrest: Arms and Ammunition Seized

On May 6, 2025, security personnel arrested two terrorist associates during a naka checking operation at Buchpora, a locality situated on the outskirts of Srinagar in Budgam district. This proactive interception by security forces resulted in the recovery of the following:

• One pistol

• One hand grenade

• Fifteen live rounds of ammunition

The arrested individuals were intercepted based on actionable intelligence, and their capture is considered a crucial step in preventing possible coordinated terror activities. Authorities believe the two were acting as couriers or logistical support for larger terrorist networks operating from across the border.

According to officials, the arrest is part of an ongoing counter-terrorism campaign launched after the deadly attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists visiting the valley. This attack not only sent shockwaves across the nation but also prompted heightened security and surveillance across Jammu and Kashmir.

Terror Hideout Busted in Poonch

On the night of May 5, 2025, a joint operation conducted by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) led to the unearthing of a major terrorist hideout in Hari Marote village, located in the Surankot sector of Poonch district. This operation was conducted following specific inputs regarding the presence of suspicious activity in the dense forested area.

The successful raid yielded a large cache of explosive devices and tactical equipment, which included:

• Five Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) ranging from 0.5 kg to 5 kg

• Two wireless communication sets

• Five packets of urea

• One five-litre gas cylinder

• One binocular

• Three woolen caps

• Three blankets

• Trousers and utensils

Officials revealed that two of the recovered IEDs were hidden inside steel buckets, while the remaining three were packed into tiffin boxes — a tactic previously used by terrorist groups to evade detection and facilitate transportation of explosives.

All the recovered IEDs were safely neutralized through a controlled explosion, averting what could have been another catastrophic terror strike, particularly in the border-sensitive Poonch region. The timely busting of this hideout is seen as a strategic success, considering the explosive materials were likely intended for use in crowded civilian areas or security installations.

Link to the Pahalgam Attack

The bust comes in the aftermath of the Pahalgam massacre, considered one of the worst terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. On April 22, heavily armed militants ambushed a tourist bus and opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in 26 fatalities and multiple injuries. The incident sparked massive public outrage, widespread condemnation, and a call for swift retribution and action.

In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all states to conduct large-scale mock civil defence drills on May 7 to test preparedness against any future hostile action. These exercises are set to be held across 244 categorized districts, including sensitive areas in Jammu and Kashmir.

Wider Security Implications and Response

The ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) for 12 consecutive days following the Pahalgam incident have added to the escalating tensions in the region. On Monday, May 5, Pakistani troops opened fire in several border areas including Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri, Mendhar, Naushera, Sunderbani, and Akhnoor.

In each case, the Indian Army responded decisively and proportionately, maintaining a strategic posture while reinforcing border surveillance and preventing cross-border infiltration attempts.

Meanwhile, civil and political leadership across party lines, including senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot, have voiced solidarity with the central government, urging unity in the face of terror.

UN and Global Response

While India has taken a firm stance, Pakistan’s appeal to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to intervene and issue a formal statement fell flat. The UNSC meeting concluded without any consensus or support, and no press release was issued — a significant diplomatic blow for Pakistan.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, while calling for "maximum restraint", also condemned the terror violence and expressed concern over rising tensions.

Environmental and Strategic Moves

In a significant strategic development, India has also decided to put the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, resulting in a 21% projected water shortage for Pakistan during the upcoming Kharif season. All gates of the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River were closed recently, cutting off significant water supply to the Pakistani side.

This move, viewed as a soft but impactful countermeasure, underlines India’s growing reliance on non-military tools to exert strategic pressure on Pakistan.

Conclusion

The arrest of two terrorist associates in Budgam and the busting of a major hideout in Poonch reflect India's multi-pronged counter-terrorism approach — combining ground-level intelligence, military coordination, and strategic national policy. As tensions continue to run high in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, security forces are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to prevent further bloodshed and maintain regional stability.

India’s unified political stance, enhanced civil defence measures, and firm diplomatic posture signify a country poised to combat terrorism with resilience and resolve. These developments serve as a reminder that the fight against terrorism is ongoing and demands constant vigilance, public cooperation, and international awareness.

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