Rajouri, May 26 : A large cordon-and-search operation entered its fourth day Tuesday in the Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal forests of Manjakote in Rajouri district, following intelligence about suspected terrorists in the area, officials said.
The joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF has focused on the rugged Pir Panjal terrain. Security forces made contact with suspected militants on Sunday during an intelligence-based action, triggering a brief exchange of fire, after which intensive combing and surveillance continued.
The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed earlier that contact was established with terrorists in the Gambhir Mughlan area during the joint operation. Security deployment has been significantly increased in recent days, officials and locals said.
“Security forces have maintained a strong presence in the Ghambir Mughlan forest area since yesterday after inputs about suspected terrorists,” resident Aqib Khan said, adding that the region remains under a tight cordon and locals are cooperating with agencies.
Residents noted the difficult terrain, with Mohd Jawed saying the area’s rugged mountains and dense forest make search operations challenging. Neighbouring villagers are closely monitoring the situation and hoping for a return to normalcy, Mohd Zubair added.
