J&K: 4-day search operation underway in Rajouri forest
What's the story
A massive cordon-and-search operation (CASO) is underway in the Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal forests of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, which entered its fourth day on Tuesday, was launched after intelligence inputs suggested the presence of suspected terrorists in the area. The Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are jointly conducting this operation in the Pir Panjal region's challenging forest terrain.
Operation details
Operation launched on Saturday after intel inputs
The operation, named "Sheruwali," was launched on Saturday after specific intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movements. An encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt on the same day. Security forces have since intensified their efforts, deploying additional personnel and advanced surveillance equipment to track down the suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in this dense forested area.
Community impact
Locals speak about increased security presence
Locals have noticed a significant increase in security deployment in their area over the past few days. "Security forces have maintained a strong presence in the Ghambir Mughlan forest area since yesterday after inputs about suspected terrorists," resident Aqib Khan told ANI. Another resident, Mohd Jawed, spoke of the difficult terrain of Ghambir Mughlan, which makes movement and search operations challenging.
Ongoing efforts
Contact established with terrorists
Despite the difficult terrain, security forces continue to conduct extensive combing operations in the forest belt. The Army's White Knight Corps confirmed that contact was established with terrorists during a joint operation with JKP and CRPF in Gambhir Mughlan. Preliminary reports suggest two to three terrorists are suspected of hiding in the area.