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Srinagar: Security forces arrested a top Jamiat-ul-Mujahideen (JuM) militant and seized a huge cache of weapons including over 100 kgs of RDX in Bandipora area of North Kashmir on May 25 night, a Defence spokesman said on May 26.

The militant identified as Bashmir Ahmad Lone alias Bilal was arrested from the house of a dental doctor at village Ajar in Bandipora township of Baramulla district and his interrogation led to the recovery of hidden arms, ammunition and explosives from two hideouts which were later destroyed, the spokesman said.

He said Lone was arrested on a specific information, from the house of Nizam-ud-din, who was also arrested.

The interrogation of the militant led to the recovery of four AK assault rifles. 11 magazines, 84 rounds, eight hand grenades, nine under-barrel grenade launchers and a number of documents from an underground hideout located adjacent to doctor's house, the spokesman said.

Hailing from Athwatoo village of Bandipora, Lone then showed another underground hideout at Hampathri forest from where troops recovered 110 kg of RDX, 125 detonators, three remote control devices, 11 timer devices, 55 metres of cordex and a bundle of fuse wire, the spokesman said adding 60 kg of the deadly explosive was made in Pakistan.

Describing the arrest and seizure of the weapons as a major breakthrough, the spokesman said army had intensified anti-militant operations in the area following information that militants were planning to step up violence.

PTI