Security forces on alert after satellite phone activated in Samba district along IB

Arjun Sharma

Jammu, January 19

Amid high alert in J&K in view of two important events — Ram Temple consecration and Republic Day celebrations — the activation of a satellite phone in Samba district along the IB has rattled the security forces.

A Thuraya satellite phone was activated in the Dantah area in the district on Thursday after which a major search operation in forest areas was launched by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police. As per sources, the satellite phone was activated at 9.13 pm and 9.23 pm in the area.

The area where the satellite phone was activated is 12 km northwest of Samba town. There have been attempts by terrorists from Pakistan to cross into Samba from the IB and then move towards other areas of the UT through hills and forests. Activation of satellite phones is monitored by intelligence agencies. In the past, many successful operations were carried out against terrorists after their location was detected through satellite phones. In a related incident, flashlights were witnessed by locals on the hills of Dergarh village in the Nud block in Samba district. The lights were witnessed around the same time when the satellite phone was activated. The distance between Dergarh and Dantah is 12 km. Sources believe that the flashlight was a signal. However, the authorities have not stated anything officially on the matter.