Identifying the Chief Minister's relatives as Ali Mohammad Sheikh and his son, Zaman Ali, sources said that the recovery followed searches by the 13-Garhwal troops, on the basis of ``specific information.'' The seized weapons were buried inside the house.

Ali Mohammad Sheikh is said to be a cousin of the Chief Minister. Sources said that the recovery followed criticism of the Army by Farooq and his ministerial colleagues, for their alleged atrocities during counter-insurgency operations.

Reacting sharply to the recovery, Abdullah today asked the State police to promptly register cases against his relatives, in whose houses the arms were found. ``No one accused of concealing arms or harbouring terrorists would be spared,'' he said.

Anofficial spokesman said that the police is proceeding against Ali Mohammad Sheikh in accordance with Chief Minister's instructions.