Shivam Bakshi
Rajouri, June 14 (NVI): Security forces on Sunday continued their massive search operation in the dense forests of Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir as ‘Operation Sheruwali’ entered its 23rd consecutive day, officials said.
The multi-agency counter-terror operation is underway in the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan forest belt, where troops have intensified search and surveillance efforts to track down suspected terrorists believed to be hiding in the rugged terrain.
Officials said the operation is being conducted in a challenging area marked by steep slopes, rocky mountains and thick vegetation, making movement and search activities difficult for the forces.
Security personnel have maintained a tight cordon in the area and are carrying out area domination exercises, surveillance and combing operations to prevent any terrorist movement or escape.
The operation, launched in late May, has become one of the longest ongoing anti-terror missions in the region.
On June 7, an Army soldier lost his life after accidentally slipping from a rocky slope while moving through the mountainous terrain during the operation. He sustained serious injuries in the fall and later succumbed despite being evacuated for medical treatment.
Earlier, on May 28, security forces had intensified the operation following an exchange of fire with suspected terrorists in the Dorimal forest area. Additional troops and logistical support were deployed to strengthen the cordon and prevent terrorist from escaping through the dense forest cover.
Officials said search operations are continuing and security forces remain on high alert in the area.(NVI)
