Explosives packed in tiffin boxes among items found after militant hideout busted in J-K’s Poonch

Explosives Hidden in Tiffin Boxes Found After Militant Hideout Busted in J-K’s Poonch
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir), May 5, 2025 — Security forces uncovered a militant hideout in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, in a joint operation. The search led to a major recovery of explosives, arms, and ammunition. Shockingly, some of the explosives were packed inside tiffin boxes.
The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched the operation after receiving credible intelligence. The hideout was located in a dense forest area near the Line of Control (LoC). Inside, they found tiffin-box IEDs, hand grenades, detonators, AK-47 rifles, and ammunition.
A Dangerous Tactic Emerges
Terrorists used everyday items like tiffin boxes to hide deadly weapons. This method shows a growing trend of using common objects to avoid detection. A senior police officer said the discovery points to a larger terror plan. He warned that such tactics could be aimed at attacking civilians or targeting security forces.
“This is a dangerous level of planning. We are tracing the origin of these materials and checking their intended use,” he said.
Cross-Border Links Suspected
Officials suspect cross-border links behind the hideout. They believe militants may have smuggled these items from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) could soon take over the probe. Security agencies are also examining whether local support helped militants build this cache.
Militants have used similar tricks in the past. Items like pressure cookers and soft drink cans have held hidden explosives. Experts believe these tactics aim to bypass routine checks and raise no suspicion.
Locals Helped Foil the Threat
Authorities praised local residents for helping start the operation. Their timely information played a key role in preventing a possible attack. “We urge everyone to stay alert and report anything unusual,” said an Army spokesperson.
Area on High Alert
Following the discovery, security forces increased patrols in the region. They set up new checkpoints and launched searches in nearby areas. Bomb squads and sniffer dogs are checking for more hidden materials.
Experts Call for Continued Vigilance
Retired Lt. Gen. Sanjay Kulkarni, a defense analyst, said the bust is a warning. “Terror groups are still trying to regain a foothold using hidden hideouts and sleeper cells,” he noted.
Security agencies remain on high alert. They are determined to dismantle the network and stop any future attempts.