Jammu, Jan 8 : Security forces on Thursday morning resumed a major search operation to track down terrorists hiding in the forest areas of Kathua district, where one security personnel sustained a minor injury during an encounter, officials said.
As per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the joint operation involving the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army, CRPF and other security agencies was launched on Wednesday evening in the Kahog village area of Billawar following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists.
A senior security official told KNC that after maintaining a night-long cordon, searches were resumed early Thursday in the Dhanu Parole–Kamadh Nallah forest belt. Additional forces have been rushed to the area, and aerial surveillance is also being used to locate the terrorists hiding in the dense forests.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, said that despite darkness, thick vegetation and difficult terrain, security forces are continuing the operation with full force. He added that CRPF teams have also joined the joint operation to strengthen the cordon.
Officials said the gunfight erupted on Wednesday evening after terrorists opened fire on the searching teams, prompting retaliation.
During the exchange of fire, one security personnel was hit in the leg by a bullet and sustained a minor injury. He has been shifted to a hospital and his condition is stated to be stable, an official told KNC
The exchange of fire reportedly lasted for over an hour before it subsided. However, it was not immediately clear whether any terrorist was injured or neutralised in the encounter.
Meanwhile, security has been further tightened across Kathua and adjoining areas, including along the International Border in Samba district, amid reports of possible movement of infiltrating terrorist groups. Search operations, patrols and verification drives are being intensified by the Army, BSF, police and CRPF, officials said.
A multi-tier security grid involving BSF, police and Village Defence Guards (VDGs) has also been put on high alert in view of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.
The operation in the area is still underway and further details are awaited. (KNC)
