Jammu, Oct 8: Security forces on Wednesday intensified search operations in the forested areas of Rajouri and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir to trace terrorists believed to be hiding in the region, officials said.
The move comes after a brief exchange of fire between terrorists and police in the Beeranthub area of Kandi in Rajouri on Tuesday evening. Around the same time, three suspected terrorists were also spotted moving in the Dharni Top area of Basantgarh in Udhampur district.
Police, assisted by the Army and the CRPF, have strengthened the cordon around both areas and launched a large-scale combing operation since early Wednesday morning to neutralise the militants.
Officials said the search has been extended to adjoining forest belts, though no fresh contact has been established so far.
Inspector General of Police (Jammu) Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed the exchange of fire, saying, “An encounter took place between terrorists and the SOG team in Beeranthub area, under Police Station Kandi, Rajouri. Joint parties of Police, Army, and CRPF rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area.”
The region has witnessed a series of anti-terror operations in recent months as security forces tighten their vigil against infiltration and militant movement in the border districts. (Agencies)
