Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir initiated extensive cordon-and-search operations on Tuesday across the upper reaches of Kishtwar, Doda, and Poonch districts. This decisive action was prompted by reported sightings of terror suspects in these sensitive regions.
Drones and Sniffer Dogs Deployed in Intensive Search
Official sources indicated that two distinct groups of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists, each comprising two to three ultras, are suspected to be active in the area. Acting on specific intelligence about their presence in the Doda-Kishtwar forest belt, security personnel launched a targeted anti-terror drive in the Keshwan-Chatroo valley.
To enhance the effectiveness of the operation, drones were deployed for aerial surveillance, providing real-time reconnaissance over the challenging terrain. In a parallel operation in Poonch, Army troops conducted thorough searches at Khanetar Top along the Line of Control and nearby zones after reports of suspicious movements. These troops were also supported by aerial surveillance assets and sniffer dog squads.
Region's History of Recent Encounters
The latest operations come against a backdrop of sustained militant activity in the region. On November 5, a fierce gun battle erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Kalaban forests of Chatroo in Kishtwar district. Notably, Kishtwar has been a hotspot, witnessing as many as six encounters in the past seven months alone.
Security forces have maintained relentless pressure, continuing their hunt for Pakistan-based terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forests and hilly tracts of Chatroo and adjacent areas. The seriousness of the ongoing threat was further underscored on December 15, when a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan lost his life during a gunfight in Sohan village of Udhampur district.
Ongoing Security Assessment and Public Vigilance
The simultaneous operations across multiple districts highlight the security establishment's proactive approach to neutralizing terrorist threats based on actionable intelligence. The use of advanced technology like drones, combined with ground troops and canine units, signifies a multi-layered strategy to track down the suspected infiltrators.
Authorities remain on high alert, and the operations are ongoing. The region's difficult topography continues to pose challenges, but security forces are committed to ensuring stability and peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
