Security Forces Initiate Major Search Operations Across Three J&K Districts Following Terrorist Movement Intelligence
Security forces have launched comprehensive cordon-and-search operations in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir — Rajouri, Doda, and Poonch — following specific intelligence inputs about suspected terrorist movement in these areas, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
Multi-District Search Operations Underway
The operations began late Tuesday evening after local residents in Rajouri district reported sighting two terror suspects moving through a rivulet (nallah) toward a nearby forest area near Khandli, close to Palma. Security forces immediately initiated combing operations in Khandli and its adjoining regions to track down the suspects.
Simultaneously, similar search operations were launched across several villages in Doda district, specifically in Marmat and Dandi Dhara areas, as well as in Ari Sarooti in Poonch district. These operations were prompted by alerts from local residents who reported suspicious movements in their respective areas.
Senior Military Commanders Review Operational Preparedness
While search operations intensified across the three districts, senior military commanders conducted separate reviews of operational preparedness in strategically important sectors.
Lieutenant General Rajan Sharawat, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Rising Star Corps (also known as IX Corps), visited the Machhedi sector in Kathua district on Wednesday to assess troop readiness. The Bani-Macchedi belt in Kathua, which falls under this sector, has witnessed multiple terror attacks and encounters over the past two years. This region serves as a traditional infiltration route used by militants traveling toward the upper reaches of Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur districts.
On Tuesday, Lieutenant General P K Mishra, GOC of the White Knight Corps, visited forward areas in Akhnoor within Jammu district to review operational readiness along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu division. During his visit, General Mishra interacted with troops deployed along the LoC and received detailed briefings on measures implemented to strengthen defensive positions and enhance operational effectiveness.
Enhanced Security Arrangements for Navratri Pilgrimage
In a separate but related development, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sarah Rizvi of the Udhampur-Reasi range conducted a comprehensive review of security arrangements at the sacred cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi and along the pilgrimage route. This security assessment comes ahead of the Navratri festival, which begins on Thursday.
DIG Rizvi directed security forces to implement enhanced measures including increased foot patrolling, strategic deployment at high vantage points, activation of village defence guards, continuous area domination exercises, and regular long-range patrols as part of comprehensive security protocols for the pilgrimage season.
The simultaneous security operations across multiple districts and the high-level reviews by senior commanders underscore the heightened security alert in Jammu and Kashmir region following intelligence about potential terrorist movements.
