Security Forces Escalate Anti-Terror Efforts in Jammu & Kashmir

In a significant development in Jammu and Kashmir, the search operation to locate and neutralize terrorists following the attack on a bus carrying pilgrims on June 9 has entered its fifth day. This ongoing action comes in the wake of recent terrorist activities in Reasi, Kathua, and Doda districts, which resulted in the tragic loss of nine lives, including seven pilgrims and a CRPF jawan, while also leaving seven security personnel among others injured.

Director General of Police (DGP) R R Swain, alongside Additional Director General of Police Law and Order Vijay Kumar and Jammu zone additional director general of police Anand Jain, visited the Jammu-based White Knight Corps. During their visit, they engaged in discussions with General Officer Commanding (GOC) Lt Gen Navin Sachdeva. The focus of their meeting was on the counter-terror operations currently underway. The army's White Knight Corps later shared on X that the meeting underscored a reaffirmed commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region.

Officials disclosed that a fresh search and cordon operation was initiated in Kathua's Saida Sukhal village in the Hiranagar sector. This action was prompted by intelligence regarding the presence of two more terrorists. In a significant operation that lasted over 15 hours starting Tuesday evening, two suspected Pakistani terrorists from a newly infiltrated group were neutralized along with a CRPF jawan. The operation led to the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition, including sophisticated weaponry and items indicating Pakistani origins.

In another part of Jammu, police conducted a search operation in Narawal bypass areas following a report by a woman about the sighting of two suspicious individuals. Despite the swift response by Jammu police to this report, further investigations including analysis of CCTV footage did not corroborate the presence of any suspicious objects or individuals as initially reported.

The combined forces resumed their search operations in various areas within Doda district where encounters with terrorists had previously resulted in injuries to seven security personnel. Despite these efforts, there has been no fresh engagement with the terrorists. In response to these incidents, police released sketches of four terrorists involved in attacks within the district and announced a reward for information leading to their capture.

Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar range, Shridhar Patil, highlighted the challenges faced by security forces but remained optimistic about neutralizing the terrorists soon. He emphasized the importance of community support in combating terrorism and assured that security agencies are vigilant against those attempting to incite violence.

In Reasi district, where an attack on pilgrims occurred, intensified search operations have led to the detention of 50 suspected individuals. The police had previously announced a reward for information on one of the attackers, leading to heightened searches across Reasi as well as Rajouri district.

Amidst these operations, security forces across Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts have been placed on high alert following intelligence inputs about potential terror threats. An advisory was issued urging residents to remain vigilant about suspicious movements or objects, especially in parts of Rajouri and Jammu districts.

This series of coordinated efforts by security forces underscores a determined approach to combat terrorism and restore peace in Jammu and Kashmir. With operations ongoing and alerts in place, authorities are working tirelessly to safeguard citizens against further threats.