Kishtwar: The Army, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police are continuing their search for at least two Pakistani terrorists, suspected tobbe holed up in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces were engaged in multiple encounters with this group of heavily armed terrorists over the past month. While one terrorist was killed on February 4 during the fifth encounter in the Chhatru belt of Kishtwar, a soldier lost his life on January 18, during the first gunfight with the group.
The remaining members of the group are believed to have shifted location. It is also suspected that they are receiving logistical support from Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and could be hiding in remote forested pockets.
The security forces have also expanded the search perimeter to the neighbouring Doda district, where authorities believe a network of terror associates and OGWs may be facilitating movement. The dense jungles and rugged terrain of the region provide cover, allowing militants to move undetected, as reported by The Tribune.
During the operations, forces busted a hideout stocked with rations and LPG cylinders. On January 18, terrorists had lobbed grenades from this hideout when troops approached the site in the forest.
The Doda Police, on Saturday, released a poster of Pakistani commander Saifullah, who is believed to be hiding in the region.
On Saturday, another hideout was unearthed in the Chilli forest area of Gandoh in Doda, leading to the recovery of eatables and blankets. Officials said the recovery indicates recent movement of terrorists in the area.
Close surveillance is being maintained on suspected OGWs to determine whether they are providing logistical support to the terrorists. Several people, considered to be sympathisers, have been questioned by police in Doda and Kishtwar over the last few weeks to gather information about the Pakistani terrorists believed to have infiltrated into the districts.
