Security forces on Monday (August 3, 2026) claimed to have “foiled a terror conspiracy” after a local, carrying posters describing August 15 and August 5 as “black day” and August 14 as “Youm e azadi” (day of independence), was arrested from south Kashmir’s Pulwama. He was also carrying a live grenade.

Officials identified the accused as Tousef Ahmad Dar, a resident of Drabgam Payeen, Pulwama.

“During checking, a suspicious person coming from Drabgam towards Pachar tried to flee on seeing the checkpoint set up by the Pulwama Police, Army’s 44 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF’s 183 Battalion. The alert party chased and apprehended him near Fruit Mandi on Pachar Road,” said the officials.

One hand grenade, three anti-national posters and one mobile phone were recovered from his possession. The anti-national posters described August 15 and August 5, the day the Centre ended J&K’s special status, as “black day”. Another anti-India poster asked people to observe August 14, Pakistan’s Independence Day, as “Youm e Azadi”.

The police have filed a First Information Report under Sections 7 and 25 of the Arms Act and Sections 13, 18, 23 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

“Investigation has been taken up to ascertain the source of the recovered material and identify any further linkages,” said the officials.

The Pulwama Police, in close coordination with the Army and CRPF, “will continue to take firm action against individuals involved in anti-national and unlawful activities,” a police spokesman said.

The latest arrest has come after two non-local labourers, and one policeman were killed in south Kashmir in two separate targeted killings since July 22 in south Kashmir. Meanwhile, many areas in Kulgam, where non-locals were killed, remain under the scanner of the security forces.