The caves formed during rains in the ravines have turned out to be safest hide o

They hurl a grenade into the cave killing one of the militant, later identified as Abu Nomaan. However, five other militants manage to escape.

These naturally formed cave like structures formed in the ravines of Samba and Mansar are acting as shield for militants, who are using the area for crossing over to the treacherous heights of Doda. These caves not only give them an edge but also prevent them from falling in the dragnet of security forces easily.

And it is because of this reason any operation lasts for more time and large quantities of arms and ammunition is used. Within two years Chilladanga and its adjoining villages have undergone a sea change. Once peaceful villages known for their serene atmosphere have now become hubs of militancy, thanks to the presence of these caves.

Hardly a day passes, when there is no cordon or patrolling of security forces or by the Village Defence Committee (VDC) members in the area. But most of the time the militants manage to give a slip.

Keeping in view the use of these natural structures by militants the villagers here so far known for giving a tough fight to the militants in the region are fearing a blood soaked monsoon this time.

The other handicap the villagers are facing is lack of telephone facility in the area. They said that in case of any militant movement it will be very difficult for them to get in touch with the security agencies in Samba. “By the time we reach Samba, the militants easily manage to escape after a strike from the area”, said one of the villager.

However, A B S Kundra, Deputy General Officer in Commanding, said that there is no need to worry. He feels that such situation will equally prove difficult for the militants while moving in the area during monsoon.

But there is no buyer of this theory of Kundra among villagers. After seeing the naturally formed caves Santokh, a resident of village Jhainda said: “Rainy season is a true friend of militants.”

To prove his point he explained it is the movement of water during this season that results in the erosion of the upper layers of ravines in the area thus forming cave like structures.

He says that it is these caves which during every encounter in the past two years they have found being used by militants as hide-outs.

Aman Singh, resident of Jhainda informed that more than 50 such caves are formed in their village alone which he feels gives militant’s an edge over the security forces.

Even Col S Chowdhary, Commanding Officer of 20 Raj Rifles also agrees to it. He said that the caves are formed in such a way that the one hiding inside can have a clear view of movement outside while the person standing outside cannot even know about the presence of cave, not to talk of a militant hiding.