Security Forces Launch Major Anti-Terror Operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian

Security forces on Wednesday launched a major anti-terror operation in the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The operation, involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, was initiated following intelligence inputs about the presence of suspected militants in the area.

According to officials, a cordon and search operation was launched in the early hours of the morning in the Zainapora area of Shopian. The area has been sealed, and searches are being conducted house-to-house to track down the militants. No casualties have been reported so far, and the operation is ongoing.

Shopian, a district in southern Kashmir, has witnessed several security operations in the past due to militant activity. The region has been a focal point for counter-insurgency efforts by security forces. The latest operation is part of a broader strategy to maintain peace and security in the region, which has seen a decline in violence in recent years following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.

Residents of the affected areas have been advised to stay indoors for their safety. Authorities have also suspended mobile internet services in the area to prevent the militants from using communication networks to coordinate or evade capture. This is a standard measure in such operations to ensure operational security.

This operation comes amid a period of relative calm in the region, with security forces maintaining a strict watch on militant movements. The joint operation highlights the coordination among various security agencies to neutralise potential threats. The government has reiterated its commitment to zero tolerance towards terrorism and ensuring the safety of citizens.

Further details are awaited as the operation continues. Security forces have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities during the search.