Security forces have launched a search operation in the Khaneed area of Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. Yesterday evening, security forces had an exchange of fire with the terrorists. The search operation has been initiated based on input about the suspicious movement in the area. A search and Destroy Operation (SADO) was started on Tuesday after specific intelligence information was received, DIG Udhampur Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat stated.
Search operation continues
The DIG commented on the ongoing search operations,” We have been keeping track of the terrorist’s movements in the Khaneed area for the last three to four days. Yesterday, after getting confirmation of the terrorists’ presence, a SADO was initiated early in the morning. Within two hours, two times contact was established with the terrorist in the afternoon. A group of two or three terrorists has been currently surrounded and we are working on neutralizing them soon.”
The security services are finding the operations difficult amidst the rainy weather, hilly terrain, and dense forest and because of the foggy weather visibility is also limited, the DIG added.
On the other hand, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nitiyanand Rai mentioned in the Lok Sabha that in the last five years, two terrorist attacks have been reported on pilgrims and 14 fatalities. To provide safety for pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir, Rai assured that the government has executed Standard Operating Procedures and security measures.
(With ANI inputs)
