Security forces are conducting a large-scale search operation in the forested areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir to flush out suspected militants. Three people have been detained for questioning in these areas.
Police, army and CRPF conducted joint search operations in several areas of Budhal, Thanamandi, Sunderbani and Kalakote in Rajouri and Mendhar in Poonch. Three people were picked up for questioning from Barot in Budhal on Sunday evening.
The search operation is continuing in Muradpur, Bathuni, Ghai Bhawal (Sunderbani), Tatta Pani Brooh in Kalakote, Gambhir Muglan in Manjakot and Rajdhani-Thanamandi in Rajouri since Monday morning. The search operation is also underway in Gursai, Jabranwali Gali, Saruti and Ari villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district.
The search operation comes after a series of militant attacks in the region in recent months. In November, two Pakistani militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Rajouri’s Bajimal area. In October, three soldiers were killed in a militant attack in Poonch’s Poonch-Rajouri border district. The security forces have stepped up their anti-militancy operations in the region in recent months. They have also been carrying out joint operations with the local police and other agencies to gather intelligence on the militants.