Security forces across Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert on Wednesday following reports of suspicious movements, triggering extensive joint search operations in both Samba and Udhampur districts. The heightened security measures come as part of a concerted effort to track down potential terror elements.
Villagers' Alert Sparks Major Samba Operation
The immediate catalyst for the alert was an incident in the Charwa-Mansa area of Samba district. According to official sources, local villagers raised an alarm after allegedly spotting three unidentified men carrying backpacks and moving in a suspicious manner. Police teams swiftly arrived at the location to assess the threat.
Following the initial assessment, the area was immediately cordoned off. A joint team of security personnel then launched a detailed combing operation. The search focused on dense forests, deserted roads, and other vulnerable spots to ensure no anti-national elements were hiding there. Authorities confirmed that the situation is under continuous and close monitoring.
Third Day of Intensive Search in Udhampur's Majalta
Simultaneously, a massive cordon-and-search operation (CASO) entered its third day in the Majalta area of Udhampur district. This operation was initiated on Monday night with the specific objective of hunting down three Pakistani terrorists. These individuals are believed to have escaped an earlier security cordon after a deadly encounter.
The background to this search traces back to December 15, when a gunfight erupted in Soan village. During that exchange, terrorists killed a constable of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and injured four other security personnel before managing to flee. The ongoing operation in Majalta and its surrounding areas aims to locate and neutralize these fleeing ultras.
High-Level Security Review and Directives
In light of the tense security situation, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar, conducted a thorough review of operational preparedness on Wednesday. He visited multiple locations in the neighbouring Kathua district, including Billawar, Samba, Ramkot, and Manwal.
The DIG held a joint meeting with Army authorities to coordinate efforts. He was accompanied by Kathua Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mohita Sharma and Samba SSP Varinder Manas.
During the review, DIG Shiv Kumar emphasized the critical need to maintain peace and security across the region. He issued clear directives for all officers to remain on extra-high alert. His instructions included mobilizing additional forces in sensitive zones to prevent any untoward incidents.
Furthermore, the DIG stressed the significance of robust intelligence gathering and the timely sharing of information between different agencies. This, he noted, is essential for flagging potential security threats at the earliest possible moment and ensuring a swift, effective response.
