Day 9: Massive security operation continues in Rajouri forests

Rajouri, May 31: Security forces on Sunday continued extensive search operations for the ninth consecutive day in the dense forest region of Dorimal in the Gambir Mughlan area of Manjakote sector in Rajouri district, maintaining a tight cordon as terrorists involved in multiple firefights over recent days remained untraced.
The prolonged operation has emerged as one of the longest security exercises witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir this year, involving a multi-layered deployment and intensified surveillance across difficult mountainous terrain.
Officials said security forces continued to dominate the forest belt and adjoining areas in an effort to track down the terrorists, whose exact number has not yet been ascertained.
The search operation, which entered its ninth day, has witnessed repeated deployment of aerial and ground resources as forces attempt to narrow down movement routes and possible hideouts.
Choppers, para commandos, sniffer dogs and additional reinforcements have been engaged in the operation, with security agencies conducting extensive sweeps through dense forests and rugged stretches of the area.
Sources said the terrorists remained untraced despite repeated contact and firefights reported at multiple locations during the ongoing operation.
Security forces have maintained a strict cordon around the affected forest zone to prevent movement and sustain pressure during the search effort.
The prolonged nature of the operation reflects both the challenging terrain and the scale of deployment mobilized for the search in the Manjakote sector. [KNT]