Rajouri: A fierce encounter is underway between security forces and heavily-armed terrorists hidden inside the dense Ghambir Mughlan forest area of the Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.
Contact was established with the terrorists during a massive, intelligence-led cordon-and-search operation (CASO) launched jointly by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Security forces successfully tracked down the suspects on Sunday morning after launching initial searches the previous day, the Army’s White Knight Corps said.
“Contact was established with terrorists in the general area of Gambhir Muglan, Rajouri, during an intelligence-based joint operation conducted along with the J&K Police and CRPF,” the White Knight Corps stated in a post on X
.
At least two-three terrorists are believed to be trapped within the thick forest belt. Heavy reinforcements have been rushed to the site, to prevent any escape bids. Security grid around the rugged mountainous terrain has been tightened, as reported by ANI.
Situated in the Pir Panjal belt of Rajouri district, the Ghambir Mughlan forest region is known for its rugged mountainous terrain and thick forest cover, making search operations challenging for security personnel.
Security forces have set up strict checkpoints in adjoining areas, scaling up vehicular and pedestrian tracking.
“Security forces have maintained a strong presence in the Ghambir Mughlan forest area since yesterday after inputs about suspected terrorists,” Aqib Khan, a local resident, has been quoted as saying.
“The entire region has been placed under a tight cordon and search operations are continuing continuously. Local residents are cooperating with the security agencies and hoping the situation returns to normal soon,” he added.
“The Ghambir Mughlan forest area has rugged mountainous terrain and dense forest cover, making movement and search operations challenging,” another resident, Mohd Jawed, noted.