Search ops to track down terrorists intensified in Rajouri, Udhampur
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Security forces launched a massive search operation in the forests of Kokernag area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag to locate two missing soldiers after losing contact with them during a combing exercise in the area to track down terrorists, officials said on Wednesday.
The combing operation was launched two days ago in the Ahlan Gadole area of Kokernag as following inputs that a group to terrorists was hiding there, they said.
However, two soldiers, who are part of the elite para unit, went missing as their communication line went out, the officials said, adding that helicopters were pressed into aerial reconnaissance in a bid to locate the missing soldiers.
Ahlan Gadole has become the new hotspot of terrorism in Kashmir as the area witnessed two major encounters in August 2024 and September 2023.
While two soldiers and a civilian were killed in a fierce gun battle with terrorists last year, four security forces personnel, including two army officers and a police officer, laid down their lives while tracking down the ultras in the dense forests.
The search operation was going on till last reports came in, the officials said.
Meanwhile, ecurity forces have stepped up their search for terrorists believed to be hiding in remote forest areas in Rajouri and Udhampur districts, officials said.
While a brief encounter took place between police and some terrorists in Beeranthub area of Kandi in Rajouri on Tuesday evening, three suspected terrorists were also noticed moving in Dharni top area of Basantgarh in Udhampur.
Police assisted by army and CRPF strengthened the cordon around the areas and a massive search operation was launched this morning to track down and neutralise the terrorists, the officials said.
They said the cordon and search operation was extended to adjoining areas but there was no fresh contact with the terrorists so far.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti said on Tuesday that “Exchange of fire took place between terrorists and SOG (Special Operations Group) team in Beeranthub area, Police Station Kandi, Rajouri. Joint parties of police, Army and CRPF have rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.”