Law enforcement agencies have recovered weapons and other suspicious items during a raid on the residence of a member of the core committee of a banned Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) in Dadyal, Mirpur, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
The operation was carried out at the home of Mehran, who has been identified by authorities as a leading figure within the banned group. During the search, officials recovered a drone, a 12-bore shotgun, ammunition, a pistol, a police helmet reportedly taken from Islamabad Police, and other items considered suspicious by investigators.
According to Shahid Aslam, an employee of Mehran, two ambulances were allegedly brought to the residence before a protest sit-in to transport equipment. He claimed that weapons, ammunition and other materials were secretly moved to Muzaffarabad using the ambulances.
The employee further alleged that Mehran took five Kalashnikov rifles, two 12-bore shotguns and a large quantity of ammunition with him. He also claimed that stones, glass bottles and slingshots were used during protest activities.
Shahid Aslam alleged that a substantial amount of cash, including funds reportedly provided by another group leader, was also transported. He further claimed that police shell-firing guns allegedly seized during the 29 September long march were moved to Muzaffarabad through the ambulances.
In addition, the employee alleged that Mehran carried two kilograms of hashish and was accompanied by six to seven wanted individuals, including persons allegedly linked to organised crime and drug trafficking networks.
Security analysts said the recovery of weapons and other items from the residence raised serious concerns and suggested a high degree of planning. They argued that the discovery of the Islamabad Police helmet indicated that law enforcement personnel may have been attacked and equipment taken during previous confrontations.
Reporter: Ahmad Mansoor