An anti-tank gun recovered by the army in the north Kashmir forest area is stated to be the most lethal weapon recovered so far by the security forces in Kashmir from the possession of the militants.

A defence statement in Srinagar [Images] said, "After a thorough search of the suspected area, one 82mm smooth bore breech-loaded, tripod-mounted, anti-tank recoilless gun of Chinese make with optical sight was unearthed."

"In terms of lethality, this is probably the most powerful weapon recovered by the army in recent times. The weapon is in a serviceable condition. It is assumed that the weapon has been procured to target army convoys and armed vehicles," the statement said.

"Along with this lethal weapon, an assortment of 700 Pika rounds, 300 AK 47 rounds, 29 under barrel grenade launcher grenades, 10 AK-47 magazines and two sniper magazines were also recovered," the statement added.

The recoveries were made by the assault teams of the 31 Rashtriya Rifles in the Hafruda forest area in north Kashmir Kupwara district.