Srinagar: Security Forces Monday claimed to have averted major tragedies by foiling two bids by the militants to carry out major IED attacks in Awantipora area of Southern Pulwama district. The forces recovered huge quantity of IED material that includes 50 kg explosives beside other material at two separate places in Tral area of Awantipora during extensive joint search operations.
A police official said inputs were received about militants’ were planning to carry out IED attacks which shall be spectacular. “Acting swiftly two IEDs have been recovered from two different places in Awantipora area. Major militancy incidents were averted by Police and security forces. A huge quantity of explosive material was recovered from two places especially Saimoh, Tral,” the official said.
A police official said based on a specific input a joint team of Awantipora Police, Army 42 RR and CRPF 180 BN cordoned and searched an area near Simoah Nallah of Tral and after digging suspected spot; the joint party of Police, Army, CRPF recovered a plastic container of approximately 50-60 ltrs capacity containing IED material; which is apparently—40 to 50 kgs of gunpowder, ammonium powder.
“The other items recovered include two electric detonators, 4 meters of Cordex Wire, 100 meters of electric Command wire,” the police official said. Another IED material was recovered at Panzgam area of Tral, however, major recovery was made at Saimoh area of Tral.
The spokesman said samples of so recovered explosive material are taken for forensic examination. “Police registered case FIR No 59/2021 under relevant sections of law stands registered at Police Station Tral and investigation is being carried out,” the official said, adding that “By recovering such a huge quantity of explosive material. Police/Security Forces have averted a big incident.”
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police for South Kashmir range, Abdul Jabbar said police had been receiving inputs about possible IED attacks by militants. “Acting on leads, police along with army and CRPF conducted extensive searches at Saimoh area of Tral and recovered huge quantity of explosives that were supposed to be used for making powerful IEDs. At another place, similar material was recovered but in less quantity than Saimoh,” he said, adding that “a major tragedy was averted and the militants’ plans to carry out IED strikes in South Kashmir stand foiled. Forces have an advantage of being ahead of the militants.”
