Search Operation Intensifies in J&K’s Poonch; Forces on High Alert Across Jammu Region

Toseef R Ganai
POONCH, Feb 24: In a continued effort to thwart cross-border militancy, security forces on Monday launched a massive search operation across several strategically significant areas near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation comes amid heightened security concerns following recent encounters and infiltration attempts in the region.
Acting on credible intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movement, joint teams of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) cordoned off multiple locations. The targeted areas include Phamarnar, Kiker Morh, Jabdan Gali, and Harni in the Gursai sector, along with Brella, Kasbalari in Mendhar, and the dense forested areas of Bafliaz in Surankote.

The operation, which remains underway as per the latest reports, is part of a broader security sweep aimed at neutralising militant elements believed to have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the region’s forested and mountainous terrain. The security forces are meticulously combing the area, using advanced surveillance equipment and deploying additional troops to prevent any escape routes.

This intensification of anti-militancy operations follows closely on the heels of two significant incidents yesterday. In the Udhampur district, In a significant escalation of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir, a soldier from the Indian Army’s Special Forces was martyred today during an intense encounter with terrorists in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. The operation, launched following credible intelligence inputs about militant presence, is part of a broader strategy to neutralize infiltrators who have recently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and are suspected to be hiding in the dense forests of the region.

Moreover, on Thursday in the border town of Uri, security personnel successfully foiled an infiltration attempt, engaging militants who had crossed over from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ensuing exchange of fire led to the neutralisation of two militants, further highlighting the vigilant posture of Indian forces along the LoC.The incident follow closely on the heels of a deadly attack in Pahalgam where 28 lives were lose.

Officials maintain that the recent surge in operations is aimed at flushing out remnants of infiltrated groups who managed to sneak into Indian territory last year and are suspected to be hiding in the upper reaches. The dense forests and rugged topography of the region present both a tactical challenge and a potential haven for these elements.