In Jammu and Kashmir, a high stakes joint terror operation known as “Operation Sheruwali” by the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) entered its twelfth day in the dense forest regions of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.
The Indian security forces, comprising the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), are engaged in the manhunt for suspected terrorists believed to be hiding within the rugged terrain of the Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal belts in the Manjakote sector.
The operation was launched on May 23 following credible intelligence inputs regarding the movement of militants. The Army and the CRPF have focused on maintaining a “strong and impenetrable cordon” around the suspected hideouts to nab the militants.
Over the past week, the mission reached a critical phase as security teams utilised a combination of drone surveillance, helicopter support, and sniffer dogs to navigate the challenging, thick forest cover.
Officials in a statement said that the fire assaults were launched on identified suspected hideouts, with reinforcements deployed to expand the search perimeter and ensure the militants remain trapped within the designated zone.
Indian Military Command Reviews Operational Preparedness
As the operation in the dense forests continues, senior military leadership has taken a direct role in overseeing the security landscape along the Line of Control (LoC). Lieutenant General PK Mishra, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps, recently visited forward areas alongside the GOC of the Ace of Spades Division to assess the ground situation.
During the visit, the Corps Commander interacted with deployed troops, commending their high morale and professional dedication under the demanding operational conditions of the Pir Panjal belt.
The review by the White Knight Corps focused not only on the immediate manhunt but also on broader measures to enhance surveillance and precision strike capabilities.
Lieutenant General Mishra emphasised the necessity of continued vigilance, reiterating the Army’s commitment to maintaining a robust security posture to meet emerging warfare requirements and ensure effective domination of the border region.
Challenges of the Terrain
The operation has been characterised by the significant physical challenges posed by the region’s high mountainous terrain and dense forests, which have necessitated a cautious approach to combing activities. The terrain’s challenging, thick forested nature has complicated the search and is posing operational complexity, requiring advanced surveillance by the armed forces.
Meanwhile, the search teams have remained focused on flushing out the remaining threats while minimising risks to personnel. As of Wednesday morning, security forces are rigorously conducting vehicle checks and maintaining strict surveillance in the vicinity of the operation zone. Officials maintain that the search operations will persist until the area is fully sanitised and all identified security threats are neutralised.
