Security Forces Launch Coordinated Search Ops in J&K's Poonch Following Suspect Sightings

Security forces on Tuesday launched coordinated cordon-and-search operations in two locations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, following intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected terrorists. The operations were carried out by troops of the Army's 16 Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Surankote sector.

According to intelligence reports, three suspects were seen near Gujjar Naar, while four others were spotted close to Kherowali dhok — high-altitude temporary huts used by nomadic herders — in the remote Dhara Sangla village. Officials said the inputs were received ahead of the operations, prompting the swift deployment of joint teams to cordon off the area and conduct thorough searches.

The Surankote sector, located in the southern part of Poonch district, has seen multiple security operations in the past due to its rugged terrain and close proximity to the Line of Control (LoC). Dhara Sangla, in particular, is a small hamlet surrounded by thick forests and mountainous ridges, making it a challenging area for ground searches.

As of Tuesday evening, no contact had been established with the suspects, and both operations remained underway, officials said. The security forces were continuing their searches through the night, with additional reinforcements brought in to cover the area systematically. The teams are examining rocky crevices, caves, abandoned structures, and the temporary huts known as dhoks, which are frequently used by transient nomadic populations.

Residents of nearby villages have been asked to cooperate with the security apparatus and share any information about unusual movement in the area. Officials have assured that all operations are being conducted with due respect for the local population and their property.

The latest searches come a day after a similar large-scale combing exercise was carried out in the Thanamandi area of neighbouring Rajouri district. On July 14, security forces swept multiple villages in Thanamandi after CCTV footage purportedly captured the movement of two suspected terrorists. That operation also involved joint teams of the army and police, and efforts were focused on locating the individuals based on specific inputs.

Poonch and Rajouri districts have witnessed periodic counter-insurgency operations over the years, given their location along the LoC. The terrain, marked by dense pine forests, deep gorges, and steep slopes, offers significant cover to armed groups, complicating search efforts. Security forces routinely conduct such operations based on intelligence inputs, and the current searches are part of that ongoing effort to prevent any potential attacks and maintain peace in the region.

Officials did not disclose the number of personnel involved or the specific search areas, citing operational reasons. They have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious activity to the nearest security post. No civilian casualties or damage to property have been reported in connection with the ongoing operations, officials added.

The operations underscore the continued vigilance of security agencies in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which has seen a decline in violence in recent years but still faces sporadic challenges. The commitment of security forces to safeguarding the region and its people remains unwavering, they said.