Troops on alert in higher reaches, top Army commanders review ops

Top Army commanders are overseeing counter-terrorist operations underway in the hilly and mountainous terrains of Jammu region, where heavily-armed and Pakistan-trained terrorists are believed to be hiding, officials aware of the developments said on Friday.

They said that these operations have picked up pace in the recent days and are being conducted in coordination with Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserved Police Force (CRPF). According to the officials, these operations are being carried out in Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar and Kathua districts.

General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of Northern Command, Lt General Pratik Sharma, GOC of White Knight Corps, Lt General PK Mishra and other senior officers have visited these rough terrains in the recent days.

The officials asserted that while the operations are still at the search stage, troops from the special para forces of Army are involved as well.

Sources said the operations are intelligence-based and are being carried out in coordination with multiple agencies. “Besides technological intelligence, emphasis is being laid on human intelligence from these areas. There were multiple sightings of suspected terrorists in the recent past, after which these operations were launched,” said Army sources.

Senior officers from Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta are also monitoring the operations in Doda and Kishtwar range. The officials said security forces are trying to force the suspected terrorists out of hiding from the dense forests by creating ample pressure on them. Sources said that this is being done with utmost care as the terrorists are highly trained in ambushes and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

GOC-in-C of Northern Command recently visited Kishtwar and Poonch areas, and impressed upon the integrated planning and real-time flow of information. He interacted with the personnel of J&K police, CRPF and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) regarding active operations in the region.

The GOC of White Knight Corps has made multiple visits to Doda, Kishtwar and areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu division. Officials said the GOC asked the soldiers to remain on alert, adopt proactive measures and maintain an uncompromising approach in counter-terrorist operations.

The Ace of Spades Division of the Army is keeping a close eye on the LoC in Rajouri and Poonch sectors. While the security forces are searching forest areas, the vigil along the International Border and LoC has been tightened to reduce the chances of infiltration, the officials said.

Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat recently visited the Basantgarh forest area in Udhampur district, where reports of terrorist sightings had surfaced. He reviewed the ongoing operations and security situation in the region.