The extensive search operation, codenamed ‘Sheruwali’, aimed at locating suspected militants believed to be hiding in the dense forests of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir, entered its third consecutive day on Monday. Security forces have intensified efforts, employing advanced surveillance technology and expanding the cordon to ensure the complete sanitization of the area.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the joint operation was initiated on Saturday by a combined team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This coordinated action followed specific intelligence reports indicating the presence and movement of suspected militants within the specified sector.
Encounter and Ongoing Search
An exchange of fire had occurred between security personnel and militants on Saturday in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt shortly after the launch of ‘Operation Sheruwali’. Officials confirmed that the operation to track down the individuals remains active under a robust security cordon, with continuous aerial surveillance being maintained. The objective is to prevent any movement or escape by the suspected militants.
To bolster the search efforts, joint teams have deployed drones and sniffer dogs, extending their operations into adjoining forest areas. The cordon has been strengthened with the deployment of additional troops, underscoring the seriousness with which the operation is being conducted. The aim is to systematically comb through the difficult terrain and apprehend or neutralize the suspected militants.
Intelligence Inputs and Force Deployment
Preliminary intelligence suggested that a group of two to three militants might be operating in the region. The Army’s White Knight Corps had reported on the social media platform X that contact was established with militants around 11:30 am on Saturday in the general vicinity of Gambhir Moghla. This contact occurred during an intelligence-driven joint operation involving the police and CRPF, highlighting the coordinated approach in tackling militancy in the region.
The forested and hilly terrain of Rajouri presents significant challenges for search operations, demanding meticulous planning and execution. Security forces are utilizing specialized equipment and tactics to overcome these obstacles. The prolonged nature of the operation indicates the evasive tactics employed by the militants and the thoroughness required by the security forces to ensure their success.
The operation underscores the ongoing commitment of security agencies to maintain peace and stability in the Union Territory. Continuous efforts are being made to dismantle militant infrastructure and prevent any untoward incidents. The security grid in Rajouri has been heightened, with multiple layers of surveillance and patrols to maintain an upper hand against anti-national elements.
The Chenab Times News Desk