ibn sultan
JAMMU, Apr 3: The multi-tier operation to track down three infiltrating militants, who escaped three encounters and are believed to be hiding in a forested area in Kathua, has entered its 12th consecutive day with security agencies also cracking down on militant supporters and setting up ambushes.
Additional troops have been deployed to beef up the multi-tier cordon and set up ambushes over a 6-7 km radius in the region.
“The combing operation has been going on. It is underway to track down militants on the run,” said an officer.
The search operation was intensified with aerial surveillance, including the use of choppers, UAVs, and sniffer dogs. Teams comprising joint operations of the army, NSG, Police, SoG, CRPF, and BSF are combing all areas to cover the region, officials said.
They said additional troops have been deployed in the rugged terrain and dense forested areas to ensure that militants do not escape towards upper reaches.
The troops have established multiple ambushes in a large area to apprehend the militants. They have further expanded the area of operation to include Billawar, Bhaddu, Ghatti, and Kog-Mandli.
To dismantle the overground network supporting militants, security agencies are focusing on OGWs and cracking down on them to cut off the supply of food, shelter, and guidance in the hills, the officials said.
Over 27 individuals have been questioned for gathering information about the militants’ movements. militants have entered two houses to get away with food too during the operations.
Security agencies emphasise that it is difficult for militants to survive without a network of overground workers who provide them with food, shelter, and guidance from the International Border (IB) to the hills of Kathua and other districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur.
The forces have detained six individuals, including three females from a single family, for questioning. It is alleged that they provided assistance to terrorists operating in the region, officials said.(Agencies)
