In a decisive counter-terrorism operation, Indian Army units successfully uncovered a major terrorist hideout in the dense forest region of Kalaroos district, Kupwara. The operation, codenamed Operation Nagni Top, was carried out in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Border Security Force.
Acting on credible intelligence, the joint forces launched a swift and surgical search operation in the upper reaches of the Keran sector. According to a statement from the Army’s Chinar Corps on X, the operation was a result of precise intelligence and swift execution by alert troops.
What do the weapons seized indicate?
Inside the hideout, security forces recovered a chilling arsenal of twelve Chinese-manufactured hand grenades, a semi-automatic pistol with corresponding ammunition, and two magazines likely intended for an assault rifle.
Every item — pistol, grenades, magazines, and ammunition — indicates the meticulous logistics of the terrorist operations. Initial reports suggest the hideout belonged to Pakistan-backed terror outfits operating from across the Line of Control (LoC).
In its statement, the Indian Army reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace in the valley, stating that any attempt to destabilise the region will be dealt with firmly and effectively.
Is Kupwara emerging as a terrorist infiltration route?
The Kupwara district, located near the Line of Control, has long been a strategic infiltration route for terrorists entering from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Over the decades, terror modules have used their thick forests and mountainous terrain to set up hideouts and plan attacks on civilian and military targets.
In response, the Indian Army has developed specialised counter-infiltration grids, surveillance infrastructure, and aggressive patrolling units in the region. Operations like NAGNI TOP are part of an evolving strategy where real-time intelligence, drone surveillance, and local coordination lead to the quick neutralisation of threats.
The Army frequently conducts search-and-destroy missions and uses technology to detect underground bunkers and weapons caches. Historically, Indian forces have foiled dozens of infiltration bids in Kupwara, preventing large-scale terror strikes. Operation NAGNI TOP reflects India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its continued dominance along the LoC.