Search for militants enters 32nd day in Rajouri’s Manjakote sector, say officials

Rajouri: Operation ‘Sheruwali’, the massive counter-militancy operation launched in Rajouri district following reports of militant presence in the Manjakote sector, entered its 32nd day on Tuesday, with armed forces continuing an intensive search across dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain despite the absence of fresh contact with the suspected militants.

The operation, which began last month after security agencies received specific intelligence inputs regarding the movement of armed militants in the Gambhir Mughlan-Dorimal forest belt, has evolved into one of the longest-running counter-militancy operations in the Jammu region in recent years.

What started as a cordon-and-search operation quickly escalated after armed forces established contact with suspected militants during the initial phase of the mission. Since then, a multi-layered security grid involving the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF has remained in place to prevent any possible escape or regrouping by the militants.

Security sources said the operation presents extraordinary challenges due to the inhospitable terrain, thick vegetation, deep ravines and natural hideouts that characterise the Pir Panjal mountain range. These geographical features often provide militants with concealment and mobility advantages, complicating efforts to establish sustained contact.

Over the past month, security forces have deployed drones, technical surveillance equipment and specialised search teams while simultaneously conducting area domination exercises in vulnerable pockets. Troops have repeatedly combed large swathes of forestland in an attempt to track down the suspected militants.

Security agencies believe maintaining pressure is critical to restricting militant movement and disrupting potential plans.

The Rajouri-Poonch region has remained a focal point of security operations in recent years, witnessing several encounters, infiltration attempts and militant activities. Security agencies have increasingly focused on forest belts and high-altitude routes traditionally used by militants for movement and concealment.

Sources said the operation remains active and that security forces continue to act on credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area. While no fresh exchange of fire has been reported in recent days, the search grid has not been relaxed.

Officials indicated that the operation would continue until the entire area is thoroughly sanitised and all intelligence leads are exhausted.  [KNT]