Rajouri Ramps Up Search for Terrorists, Community Seeks Army Post

In a significant operation in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, security forces have ramped up efforts to apprehend the terrorists responsible for the tragic demise of a man from the Gujjar community. The incident, which took place on Monday night, saw Mohammad Razaq, aged 40, fatally shot as he exited a mosque in his village, Kunda Top, within the jurisdiction of the Thanamandi police station. Mohammad Razaq's brother, Mohammad Tahir Choudhary, who serves in the Territorial Army, fortunately escaped the attack unharmed.

The loss of Razaq has reignited calls among villagers for the reinstatement of an army post at Kopra, which was operational until 2010 but subsequently dismantled. In response to this tragic event, a joint cordon and search operation (CASO) involving the police, Army, and CRPF was promptly initiated. The operation has been intensified with the aid of sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance to locate the assailants. Security measures have also been heightened in the district, with thorough vehicle checks and frisking at various checkpoints.

A criminal case has been filed under multiple sections including murder, conspiracy to commit an offence, waging or attempting to wage war against the Government of India, and others under the Arms Act and Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) at the Thanamandi police station.

The tragedy has deeply impacted the family of Mohammad Razaq, whose father, Mohammad Akbar, was also a victim of terrorism two decades ago in the same village. Mohammad Akbar was employed in the Social Welfare Department and following his death, Razaq was appointed in the same department on compassionate grounds. The family has described Razaq as a devout individual who was well-respected within the village community.

The recent incident has not only brought back painful memories for the family but also for the village elder and religious preacher, Mohammad Iqbal. He recalled the brutal killing of Razaq's father 20 years ago and emphasized the need for enhanced security measures in the area.

In a related development last week, security forces uncovered a terrorist hideout in Azmatabad village within Rajouri district. The operation led to the recovery of eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two wireless sets, and some ammunition. This discovery underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Rajouri and Poonch districts due to targeted attacks by terrorists on both army personnel and civilians in recent years.

The concerted efforts by security forces to neutralize terrorist threats and restore peace in these regions continue amidst these challenging circumstances.