Security forces today mounted an extensive search operation across multiple border pockets of Rajbagh and Ramkote in Kathua district after inputs suggested the presence of suspected terrorists, officials said.
An alert was triggered early morning after two armed individuals, reportedly carrying heavy backpacks, were seen moving from Soffain village towards the Ambanall forest area in Rajbagh. Acting swiftly, joint teams of police, Army, and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. However, no contact with the suspects had been established till the last reports.
The region has remained sensitive, with Soffain forests previously witnessing a deadly gunfight in March last year that left four policemen and two terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit dead. Officials noted that the belt is often used by infiltrators to move towards the hinterland after crossing the International Border.
In a parallel operation, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of local police, along with CRPF personnel, carried out searches in Panjtirthi, Bhini Nallah, Barota, Aglidhar, and adjoining areas of the Ramkote sector around noon.
Meanwhile, security forces also continued combing operations for the second consecutive day in the SIDCO forest area of neighbouring Samba district, where suspicious movement of two persons was reported under the cover of darkness on Sunday, officials added