Operation Sheruwali becomes longest anti-terror operation in Rajouri-Poonch

Security forces maintain a tight cordon in difficult terrain

Shyam Sood
Rajouri, June 14: The ensuing counter-terrorist operation, ‘Operation Sheruwali’, launched jointly by the Indian Army, J&K Police, and CRPF on May 23 in the dense forests of Ghambir Muglan-Dorimal in Rajouri district’s Manjakote sector, entered its 23rd day on Sunday, making it one of the longest anti-terror operations ever conducted in the Rajouri-Poonch region.
The operation has already surpassed the duration of the Bhata Dhurian counter-terror operation of 2021, which concluded after 20 days on October 31, 2021, and now ranks among the most prolonged and challenging counter-insurgency missions undertaken in the Pir Panjal region in recent years.
Launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area, the multi-agency operation continues with extensive search and surveillance efforts across a vast and difficult forested terrain.
Dori Mal and Gambhir Muglan are considered among the most difficult forest areas in Rajouri district.
Security personnel must undertake long foot patrols through rugged terrain while carrying weapons and equipment. Reaching certain locations can take several hours due to the difficult topography. The challenge becomes even greater during night operations and amid changing weather conditions.
Strategic Significance
Security experts believe the Dori Mal-Gambhir Muglan belt connects several forest routes leading towards Manjakote, Thanamandi, Darhal and further into Poonch district. Such terrain can potentially provide hiding places and movement corridors for terrorists attempting to evade security forces.
To counter this, security agencies have established a multi-layered cordon, enhanced surveillance and deployed additional troops to monitor possible escape routes. However, given the vast and difficult terrain, the possibility that militants may attempt to slip into adjoining areas cannot be entirely ruled out.
Logistics and Local Support
Security analysts note that surviving for extended periods in dense forests is difficult without access to food, medicines and other essentials. Consequently, agencies routinely investigate whether terrorists are receiving logistical support or assistance from any local network.
In previous operations, security forces have uncovered Over Ground Worker (OGW) networks allegedly involved in supplying food, information and other support to militants. However, no official confirmation has yet emerged regarding the existence of such a network in the ongoing operation.
Operation Sheruwali is being compared with the prolonged anti-terror operation conducted in the Nar-Bhata Dhurian forests of Poonch in 2021, which continued for over 19 days.
It also recalls the historic Operation Sarp Vinash of 2003 in the Pir Panjal region, regarded as one of the largest counter-terror campaigns in Jammu and Kashmir. Conducted from January to May 2003, the operation resulted in the elimination of nearly 100 terrorists and the destruction of more than 100 bunkers, caves, and militant hideouts.
Despite the sacrifice of Lieutenant Bheereshwar Goswami, who lost his life after falling into a gorge during the operation on June 7, security forces have maintained pressure on the suspected terrorists and continue search efforts aimed at achieving a decisive outcome.