Mirpur raid exposes weapons cache at banned group leader’s house

Law enforcement agencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have uncovered a cache of weapons and suspicious items during a raid at the residence of a member of a banned Joint Action Committee in the Dadyal area of Mirpur, officials and sources said.

MIRPUR: Law enforcement agencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir have uncovered a cache of weapons and suspicious items during a raid at the residence of a member of a banned Joint Action Committee in the Dadyal area of Mirpur, officials and sources said.

According to details, the raid was conducted at the house of Mehran, identified as a member of the core committee of the outlawed group. During the search operation, officials recovered a drone, a 12-bore gun, ammunition, a pistol, and a helmet allegedly snatched from Islamabad Police, along with other suspicious material.

Officials said the recovery points towards organised and pre-planned activity, and further investigation is underway to determine the scale of the network and its operations.

During the inquiry, a domestic worker associated with the suspect reportedly made additional claims about the movement of materials. He stated that Mehran had arranged for two ambulances during a protest gathering, allegedly used to transport weapons and supplies to Muzaffarabad in a concealed manner.

The worker further alleged that firearms, including multiple Kalashnikov rifles, shotguns, and large quantities of ammunition, were moved using ambulances. He also claimed that stones, glass bottles, and slingshots were used during protest activities, and that cash funds were carried along for logistical purposes.

He further stated that weapons and riot-control equipment, including police shelling guns allegedly taken during a previous protest, were also shifted using ambulances. The statement also included claims regarding the presence of narcotics and individuals with alleged criminal backgrounds.

Security officials have not independently verified all claims made by the worker, but confirmed that recovered items from the house include weapons and materials requiring detailed forensic examination.

Experts believe that the presence of arms, ammunition, and other recovered equipment indicates organised activity rather than isolated incidents. They say investigations will determine whether the materials were intended for unlawful use or connected to wider unrest.

The recovery of police equipment, including a helmet allegedly belonging to Islamabad Police, has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies regarding possible resistance or confrontation during earlier incidents.

Authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing and further action will be taken based on evidence collected from the site. The operation is part of broader efforts to monitor and control unlawful activities and ensure law and order in the region.

Officials have reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in illegal possession of weapons or activities threatening public peace and security.