SRINAGAR: A major joint anti-militancy operation in the forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district entered its 12th day on Wednesday, with security forces yet to locate the militants despite multiple contacts and intermittent exchanges of fire during the ongoing operation.
The operation, codenamed Operation Sheruwali, is being conducted in the dense forests of Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal in the Manjakote sector following specific intelligence inputs indicating the presence of militants hiding in the area.
Officials said security forces, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have stepped up search efforts with additional reinforcements and logistical support deployed across the challenging terrain. Para commandos have also been inducted into the operation, while aerial surveillance is being carried out using helicopters. Sniffer dogs are being used to assist in tracking movement within the thick forest cover.
According to officials, two to three militants are believed to be trapped within the cordoned area. They said a stringent security grid has been established to prevent any escape, with all suspected exit routes through the forest belt effectively sealed.
Security personnel have been carrying out intensive combing and search operations under heightened surveillance, maintaining a tight cordon around the area. Officials said all available resources are being utilised to trace the militants.
The forest region remains under strict security watch as the coordinated operation continues for the twelfth consecutive day.
