Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 13: The recovery of a highly sophisticated German-made MP5 submachine gun from a Pakistan-trained terrorist has raised serious concerns among security agencies, highlighting the continued efforts of cross-border terror networks to supply advanced weaponry into Jammu and Kashmir.
The MP5, considered a modern and lethal firearm, is capable of firing up to 800 rounds per minute. According to security agencies, the weapon is widely used by elite forces such as the Indian Army, National Security Guard (NSG), and Marine Commandos (MARCOS) due to its precision and reliability.
The submachine gun supports both semi-automatic and fully automatic firing modes and is compatible with 15- and 30-round magazines, significantly enhancing its sustained fire capability. Officials described the seizure as a major and alarming breakthrough, particularly in view of the increasing recovery of foreign-origin weapons in the Union Territory. Recent seizures of arms manufactured in the United States, Germany, and China suggest persistent attempts by cross-border networks to equip terrorists with modern arms.
The recovered MP5 has been sent for forensic examination to ascertain whether any modifications were made to the weapon.
The weapon was recovered from Abdul Khaliq (41), a Pakistan-trained Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist, who was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) while attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory along the International Border in the Pargwal sector of Akhnoor on Friday. Sources said Khaliq had been assigned the task of reviving JeM activities in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
The BSF foiled the infiltration attempt and recovered the MP5 submachine gun along with ammunition from his possession. Khaliq, a resident of Ujjan-Marga village in Darhal tehsil of Rajouri district, had exfiltrated to Pakistan in November 2021, shortly after his marriage.
During his nearly four-year stay across the border, Khaliq underwent terrorist training at various locations, including Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Official sources said his family was unaware of his border crossing at the time.
Following his prolonged disappearance, a missing person report was lodged at the Chingus police post. During the investigation, police recovered his vehicle from the Jhangar area, strengthening suspicions that he had crossed into Pakistan.
Sources further revealed that prior to his departure, Khaliq was actively involved in anti-national activities in Rajouri. He was reportedly influenced by religious extremism and had attempted to radicalise and mislead local youth. Security agencies had placed him under surveillance even before he crossed the border. |
