Srinagar: With police on high alert to thwart any militant attempts to disrupt the Republic Day, security forces recovered 20 kgs of RDX besides a huge cache of arms and ammunition in Kashmir in the wee hours today (Jan 25, 2004).

Army busted a militant hideout at Gantamulla in North Kashmir and seized arms and ammunition meant for disruptive activities, a Defence spokesman said.

The seizure included 59 UBGL grenades, 12 rocket projectile guns, 35 RPG boosters, three hand grenades, two pistols, eight IED (Improvised Explosive Devices) mechanisms, seven electronic detonators, 90 rounds of sniper ammunition and 1040 rounds of AK ammunition.

The CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) recovered 20 one-kg packets of RDX in two plastic bags in Soura area.

A CRPF spokesman said the RDX was recovered when security forces noticed a youth moving under suspicious circumstances in the area.

When challenged, he fled leaving behind the two plastic bags containing the RDX, the spokesman said.

This is the third haul of explosives in as many days in the valley.

Yesterday (Jan 24, 2004), security forces recovered several rockets, boosters and rifle grenades in Bemina area.

On Friday, 45 kgs of explosives were recovered from Wazirbagh area, a stone throw distance from Bakshi stadium, and the venue of the main Republic Day function.