How security forces are expanding operations in J&K to flush out militants who killed dozens last year

The operations have been launched simultaneously to curtail the movement of militants from one place to another to dodge search parties, sources said, adding that the searches would be intensified in the coming months.

Official sources said the highest number of search operations, 10, are underway in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts in the Chenab Valley region.

At the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Pir Panjal region, searches are underway in seven locations. Operations are also taking place in three locations in Udhampur district, two in Reasi and one in Jammu, sources said.

They said the search operations are part of an area domination exercise ahead of the summer season.

The massive operations come less than a week after J&K Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat visited important areas of Basantgarh, on the tri-junction of Kathua, Doda and Udhampur districts, on January 23 to take a comprehensive operational review.

Interacting with the personnel deployed in the “forward operating bases” (FOBs), the DGP lauded their relentless commitment to maintaining peace and security.

Acknowledging their tough working conditions, he urged the personnel to relentlessly tackle threats while ensuring that the safety and well-being of the local populace remains a top priority.

After carrying out deadly attacks in Rajouri and Poonch since 2021, militabts spread their activities to six other districts in the Jammu region last year, leaving 44 people, including 18 security personnel, dead.

Thirteen militants were also killed by security forces and police during the period.

Though the Pir Panjal districts of Rajouri and Poonch witnessed a considerable drop in terror activities in 2024 compared to the previous years, the series of incidents in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu from April-May onwards came as a concern for security agencies.

(With inputs from PTI)