Search Operation Underway in Poonch Forests After Suspicious Movement Near Tunnel

Security forces on Tuesday launched a joint search operation in the Mendhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district after suspicious movement was noticed near a tunnel under construction, officials said.

The movement was detected by a security guard on duty at the construction site. As a precautionary measure, the guard fired three to four rounds, the officials said. No loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far.

Following the incident, personnel from the police, Special Operation Group (SOG) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) began a coordinated search operation around 6 am in the forest areas of Bhatadurian, Sangiot and adjoining regions, the officials added.

The operation is aimed at checking the movement of any suspicious individuals in the area. Areas near the Line of Control in Poonch district have witnessed security operations in the past, but no further details about Tuesday's incident have been confirmed by the authorities.

Officials said that search teams are combing the forested terrain and that updates will be provided as the operation progresses.