Search Operations Launched in J&K's Doda and Poonch After Terror Suspects Sighted
Security forces on Tuesday launched joint cordon-and-search operations in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda and Poonch districts after being alerted about the sighting of suspected terrorists, officials said.
The operations in Doda began after some locals filmed four suspected militants trekking along Ramtund Peak and informed the authorities late Monday afternoon. According to preliminary information, the group allegedly comprised three Pakistani nationals and one local terrorist.
Additional personnel from the Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police were rushed to the area from Udhampur on Tuesday morning, along with reinforcements. Officials said no contact had been established with the suspects until Tuesday evening.
The Ramtund area lies near the Seoj Dhar belt on the Doda-Udhampur axis, which further connects to the Kathua region. Officials noted that terrorists have traditionally used this route to travel and hide, as the topography features dense vegetation and natural caves.
The searches in Doda came four days after the local police put up posters across Jammu and Kashmir, announcing a reward of Rs 15 lakh for credible information leading to the arrest of self-styled Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Lateef Bhat.
Separately, in Poonch's Mendhar sector, security forces launched an intensive combing operation after noticing suspicious movement near an under-construction tunnel. A security guard manning the site spotted the suspects and fired three to four rounds as a precautionary measure. Following this, a joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) and CRPF began a search operation around 6 am Tuesday in the nearby forested stretches of Bhatadurian, Sangiot and adjoining areas, an official said.
Authorities have urged locals to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The security grid in the region remains on high alert, with additional patrols and checkpoints being established. No official statement has been issued regarding the identity or nationality of the suspects sighted in Poonch.
These operations highlight the continuing security challenges in the region, even as the overall situation has seen improvements in recent years. Officials emphasised that intelligence inputs and local cooperation remain crucial in countering such threats. Further updates are expected as the search operations progress.
