Intermittent firing resumed in the Gambhir Muglan forest area of Rajouri district on Thursday as the anti-terror operation entered its sixth consecutive day, with security forces launching fresh fire assaults and multiple grenade launcher (MGL) attacks on suspected terrorist hideouts.
Sounds of gunfire and explosions were heard from a distance as security forces, including the Army, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF, continued extensive search operations against terrorists first spotted in the area last Saturday.
Officials said the fresh assault was launched on suspected hideouts in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt of the Manjakote area amid intensified efforts to eliminate terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forests. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the forest following the firing and MGL attacks, indicating that the targeted locations had been struck during the operation.
According to preliminary reports, two to three Pakistani terrorists, including a commander, are believed to be trapped within the cordoned area. Sources said the firing was likely speculative and carried out after security personnel suspected movement of terrorists in the forested terrain.
There has been no official confirmation regarding any casualties or injuries during the operation. However, one terrorist is suspected to have been injured, as blood stains were reportedly found near a hideout that was busted shortly after an earlier exchange of fire.
Security forces have been closely tracking the suspected movement of the ultras after blood stains, believed to have been left behind by fleeing terrorists, were detected on Monday.
The Northern Command of the Army is closely monitoring the operation. On Wednesday, Northern Command chief Lt Gen Pratik Sharma visited the Gambhir Muglan area to review the operational situation and assess the progress of “Operation Sheruwali”.
In a post on X, the Northern Command said the Army Commander interacted with representatives of Army formations, the J&K Police, Intelligence Bureau, CRPF and other stakeholders to review the evolving operational dynamics and strengthen inter-agency coordination.
The Army Commander also met troops deployed in the area and commended their resolve, high morale and commitment while operating in challenging conditions. The statement further said Lt Gen Sharma emphasised mission focus and operational excellence, urging all teams to pursue the objective with professionalism, precision and a shared sense of purpose.
Backed by helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs, joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and paramilitary forces are conducting extensive searches in the adjoining areas. The cordon around the operation zone has been further strengthened with the induction of additional troops to prevent the terrorists from escaping, officials said.
Officials added that intensified checking of vehicles was also underway on roads connected to the area, while additional reinforcements had been rushed to the forests of Dori Maal in the Gambhir Moghla region.
The operation had begun on Saturday after a joint team launched a massive cordon-and-search operation in the Singhpora-Chatroo area following intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the region. The operation led to a brief exchange of fire after contact was established with the terrorists, prompting security forces to continue extensive searches in the rugged and heavily forested terrain.
