The search operation to trace two to three suspected terrorists hiding in the forest area of Rajouri district entered its third day on Monday.
The terrorists, who exchanged fire with security forces on Saturday, are believed to be hiding in the forests of the Gambhir-Muglan belt.
The Army, along with the police and CRPF, launched a joint operation codenamed ‘Sheruwali’, conducting extensive searches in the region and adjoining areas. The terrorists had opened fire on security personnel during a search operation on Saturday before fleeing.
Officials said the operation was continuing amid a tight cordon and intensified surveillance.
The Army is also using drones and sniffer dogs, while joint teams have expanded the search to adjoining areas. Additional troops have been deployed to strengthen the cordon and track down the ultras believed to be hiding in the area.
Searches are also underway in neighbouring Poonch district, where an infiltration bid was foiled recently. Reports about the presence of terrorists in parts of Poonch had prompted security agencies to intensify operations there as well.
The Army’s White Knight Corps had on Saturday stated that contact with terrorists was established around 11.30 am in the Gambhir-Muglan area of Rajouri during an intelligence-based joint operation carried out with the J&K Police and the CRPF.
Hideout busted near encounter site
Security forces on Monday busted a hideout near the site of the ongoing encounter in Rajouri district and recovered eatables, drinking water, clothing and backpacks believed to have been used by the terrorists who fled after search operations were launched
Police seized all items recovered from the hideout, which was located in a densely forested area. Officials said the recovery was made during intensified searches being carried out in the region following the recent exchange of fire between terrorists and security forces
