Nearly two weeks after Indian Army units uncovered a major terrorist hideout in the dense forest region of Kalaroos district, Kupwara, security forces have caught two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist associates, from the Malpora Nowgam area of Sumbal in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

In the major counter-terrorism operation on Sunday (August 17), the forces have also recovered several weaponries, which signal China’s growing influence in terror activities in India. During the recent Operation Nagni Top, Indian Army units seized a chilling arsenal of 12 Chinese-manufactured hand grenades, among others.

The arrests on Sunday (August 17) were made during a joint naka (checkpoint) established by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army. The police have registered a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

How LeT terrorists’ exposed China’s growing influence in terror acts?

Security forces, during the Sunday operation, seized a host of weapons from the arrested LeT individuals, which include 2 Chinese grenades, two UBGL (Under Barrel Grenade Launcher) grenades, and 10 rounds of AK-series rifles. These items are believed to be linked to the ongoing terror activities in the region, as per a report in The Times of India.

The arrested LeT terrorists have been identified as Ab Majid Gojri, a resident of SK Bala, and Ab Hamid Dar, a resident of Vijpara. Officials said that they recovered 2 Chinese grenades, 2 UBGL grenades and 10 rounds of AKs from their possession.

China’s role in terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir?

Even as it claims to be against terrorism, recent anti-terror operations across Jammu and Kashmir have led to the discoveries of arms and ammunition made in China. From grenades, pistols, assault rifles, to even communication devices like Huawei Satellite Phones, or GPS Devices, terrorists are increasingly relying Chinese units.

Apart from the latest search and arrests by the armed forces, several such operations have resulted in Chinese tech, weapons being recovered from terrorists. Recently, in Operation Nagni Top, security forces found 12 Chinese-manufactured hand grenades, a semi-automatic pistol with corresponding ammunition, and two magazines.

Earlier in the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack, the LeT terrorists resorted to using China-made communication devices like Huawei and Ultra Set communication devices, along with GPS devices.

Such recoveries by the security forces from Jammu and Kashmir is a clear indication of the support that the Chinese government is offering Pakistan, which eventually ends up in the hands of these terror groups. The latest nabbing of 2 LeT terrorists is reflective of India’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism and its continued dominance along the LoC.