Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched a major search and cordon operation in the Udhampur district. This action comes after a group of terrorists brazenly entered a civilian house and took food items, highlighting their continued presence in the region's remote areas.
Incident Details: Night Raid in Basantgarh
The incident occurred in the Panara village of the Basantgarh area late on Tuesday night. According to official reports, an unidentified number of terrorists forcibly entered a local resident's house. The armed men did not harm the occupants but specifically demanded and took food provisions before fleeing into the surrounding dense forest terrain.
Upon receiving the information from the terrified household, security agencies immediately swung into action. The area, known for its challenging topography with thick forests and mountainous hideouts, has become the focus of an intensive combing operation.
Massive Security Response Underway
Following the raid, a joint operation involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was initiated. Security personnel have cordoned off vast sections of the forest near Panara and adjoining areas to track down the terrorists.
"The search operation is ongoing in the area," confirmed a senior police official. The forces are meticulously scanning the forest, leaving no stone unturned to locate the terrorists' hideout or trail. The primary challenge remains the rugged and heavily wooded landscape, which offers ample cover.
Context and Ongoing Security Concerns
This incident underscores the persistent security challenges in the Jammu region, even as overall violence has seen a decline. The Basantgarh area, bordering the Chenab valley, has been used historically as an infiltration route and a hiding spot for terrorist elements. Such incidents of terrorists seeking food from villagers indicate their attempts to sustain themselves while avoiding direct confrontation.
Security analysts point out that these actions are often tactics to procure resources without drawing immediate large-scale attention. However, the swift response by security forces demonstrates a high state of alertness and a robust intelligence network in the region.
The local administration has also alerted nearby villages and urged residents to report any suspicious movement immediately. The search operation is likely to continue until the area is fully sanitized and the threat neutralized.
