Ongoing Anti-Terror Operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri District
Intensified Operations Against Terrorism
The security forces' 'Operation Sheruwali' continues into its eighth day in the forests of Rajouri district, targeting two to three suspected Pakistani terrorists believed to be hiding in the area. Meanwhile, a separate anti-terror search operation has commenced in the neighboring Poonch district. Officials reported that heavy gunfire was directed at suspected terrorist hideouts in Rajouri, as the militants shifted their locations through rugged terrains, valleys, and passes in the Manjakot area of the Dorimal-Ghamir Mugla belt.
In response to reports of suspicious activities in the Surankot area of Poonch district, joint teams of police and security forces launched a cordon and search operation on Friday. They received intelligence suggesting the presence of two to three individuals, prompting a thorough search of the region.
High-Level Review of Anti-Terror Operations
Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the commander of the Northern Command, along with Jammu's Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti and a senior officer from the CRPF, visited the area on Wednesday to assess the ongoing anti-terrorism efforts in the dense forests. Reports indicate that heavy gunfire and the use of multiple grenade launchers by security forces resulted in visible plumes of smoke from the forest, suggesting successful strikes on targeted locations during the operation. Security personnel are closely monitoring bloodstains found in the area, believed to belong to fleeing terrorists, and have intensified their search efforts.
After a brief exchange of fire, they identified a secret hideout in the area where bloodstains were discovered, indicating the presence of the suspects.
Comprehensive Search Operations Underway
With the assistance of helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs, joint teams from the army, Jammu and Kashmir police, and paramilitary forces are conducting extensive search operations in the vicinity. Additional troops have been deployed to strengthen the cordon around the operation area. Security measures have been heightened, including increased vehicle checks on roads leading to the operation zone, and more forces have been dispatched to the forests of Dorimal in the Ghamir Mugla region. The operation was initiated following intelligence reports about the presence of terrorists in the Singhpora-Chhatru area, leading to an encounter between the militants and security forces.
Initial reports suggest that two to three Pakistani terrorists, including a commander, may be hiding in this region. Local residents have expressed their appreciation for the army's efforts in this operation.
Security Preparations for Amarnath Yatra
In related news, Jammu's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Joginder Singh reviewed security and logistical arrangements at the Bhagwati Nagar base camp ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is set to commence on July 3. This 57-day pilgrimage will begin on two routes: the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the 14-kilometer steep Baltal route in Ganderbal. The yatra will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. During his visit to the base camp, the SSP conducted a thorough inspection of security deployments and instructed officials and personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Officials from the CRPF and the administration also participated in a review meeting, discussing overall security strategies, crowd management, traffic regulation, monitoring measures, emergency response preparations, and inter-agency coordination.