Rajouri, Oct 7: Security forces on Tuesday continued a massive search operation in the Kandi and adjoining forest areas of Rajouri after a fierce brief gunfight with terrorists. The encounter had erupted late last night when militants opened fire on a search party of the Indian Army, forcing the troops to retaliate.
Sources in forces said the terrorists, taking advantage of darkness and the thick forest cover have managed to slip away from the initial cordon and are suspected to be hiding in nearby forest stretches. Security agencies believe a group of 3–4 heavily armed terrorists is on the move.
The operation, being jointly carried out by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, has been intensified with reinforcements rushing in to plug possible escape routes. “The terrain is challenging, but forces are combing every inch of the forest to track down and neutralise the group,” a senior officer said.
The Kandi belt, known for its dense foliage and rugged topography, has in the past served as a hideout for infiltrating terrorists. The fresh operation has triggered a heightened security alert across Rajouri and neighbouring districts of the Pir Panjal region.
Authorities have urged villagers in the area to remain indoors as a precautionary measure. Intermittent firing was reported in some pockets through the night, and security forces remain on high alert.
This fresh flare-up comes amid stepped-up counter-insurgency measures in Jammu region, where security agencies say Pakistan-backed groups are attempting to revive militancy by pushing small teams of terrorists across the Line of Control.
