Anantnag: In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves across Jammu and Kashmir’s medical and security circles, police have detained two Kashmiri-origin doctors and recovered a rifle from a hospital locker at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Anantnag. The arrests, made in coordination with law enforcement agencies in Uttar Pradesh, mark a new chapter in the ongoing probe into suspected militant sympathies within civilian institutions.
According to senior officials, the Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a coordinated operation after receiving intelligence inputs about the possible involvement of two doctors in activities linked to radical groups. Acting on leads, one doctor was picked up from Saharanpur and another from Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh. Both were formerly posted at GMC Anantnag and had left their positions over a year ago. The arrests were executed with the assistance of Uttar Pradesh Police following detailed surveillance and verification of their past professional and digital footprints.
The most shocking element of the case was the recovery of a rifle from a locker within the Anantnag hospital premises. The weapon was found stored in a compartment assigned to one of the detained doctors, which had reportedly remained locked and unused for several months. Officials revealed that the discovery was made during an inspection triggered by the appearance of posters in the area bearing slogans in support of the banned terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the hospital and nearby localities, which reportedly captured suspicious movements connected to the accused. The emergence of JeM-related posters within hospital premises raised alarm bells within the security establishment. Authorities believe that the individuals under detention may have acted as facilitators or sympathizers for underground networks rather than direct operatives. However, the presence of an assault rifle within a public hospital has deepened fears of militant infiltration into civilian and professional spaces.
Police have registered a case under Section 7/25 of the Arms Act, 1959, along with multiple provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These charges indicate that investigators suspect a broader conspiracy, potentially involving support for terror activities. One of the detained doctors has already been remanded to police custody by a local court in Saharanpur, while searches are underway for a third doctor believed to be linked to the same network.
The recovery of a firearm from a government hospital has triggered concern among both the medical fraternity and the public. Hospitals, traditionally viewed as neutral humanitarian spaces, are now under the scanner for possible misuse by those seeking to exploit their access and authority. The incident has compelled the authorities to initiate a comprehensive audit of lockers and restricted areas in several government medical institutions across the Valley.
This case underscores a growing challenge for the security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir what analysts describe as “hybrid infiltration.” Such networks involve professionals and civilians who outwardly maintain normal lives but covertly extend logistical or ideological support to militant groups. In recent years, similar patterns have been observed in cases involving teachers, engineers, and even journalists. The incident at GMC Anantnag is being viewed as a worrying example of how militant influence is attempting to penetrate institutional structures once considered beyond the reach of radical elements.
Forensic teams are now analyzing the seized weapon to trace its source and possible prior usage. Authorities are also scrutinizing communication devices and online activity of the detained doctors to establish digital links to banned organizations. The Jammu and Kashmir Police have indicated that further arrests may follow as evidence continues to surface. Meanwhile, the hospital administration has pledged full cooperation with investigators and has suspended the internal staff associated with the locker where the rifle was found.
The incident has reignited debate over the delicate balance between civil rights and national security in conflict-prone regions. Many voices within the medical community have condemned any misuse of the profession for subversive activities, while others have urged caution to ensure that due process and fairness are maintained. Security analysts, however, warn that the episode is part of a larger trend of militants embedding themselves in civilian infrastructure to evade detection.
As the investigation widens, the discovery in Anantnag serves as a chilling reminder that the frontlines of national security are no longer confined to borders and battlefields. The blurring line between civilian and militant domains presents new challenges for intelligence agencies, demanding greater vigilance, institutional scrutiny, and ethical responsibility within professional sectors.