Security forces continue searches for terrorists in mountainous regions of Kishtwar
Dense jungles and rugged terrain of the region provide cover, allowing militants to move undetected
Relentless search operations by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are continuing in the higher reaches of Kishtwar district, where multiple encounters have taken place with a group of armed terrorists over the past month.
One terrorist was killed on February 4 during the fifth encounter in the Chhatru belt of Kishtwar. Earlier, on January 18, a soldier lost his life during the first gunfight with the group.
Nearly a month after the operations began in the dense forest areas of the district, security forces are still attempting to trace the remaining members of the group, believed to be Pakistani terrorists. Officials suspect that they may be receiving logistical support from Over Ground Workers (OGWs) and could be hiding in remote forested pockets.
The search perimeter has also been expanded to 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.
Security officials believe that at least two more terrorists from the group remain at large. During the operations, forces busted a hideout stocked with rations and LPG cylinders. According to officials, the terrorists had lobbed grenades from this hideout on January 18 when troops approached the site in the forest.
Meanwhile, Doda Police on Saturday released a poster of Pakistani commander Saifullah, who is believed to be hiding in the region.
Another hideout was unearthed in the Chilli forest area of Gandoh in Doda on Saturday morning, leading to the recovery of eatables and blankets. Officials said the recovery indicates recent movement of terrorists in the area.
Security agencies are maintaining close surveillance on suspected OGWs to determine whether they are providing logistical support to the militants. In recent weeks, several terror associates have been questioned by police in Doda and Kishtwar to gather information about the Pakistani terrorists believed to have infiltrated into the districts.
