Security forces have intensified their search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, extending the cordon to track down and neutralize terrorists in remote villages. The operation was initiated on Tuesday in the Najote forest area of Billawar tehsil, prompted by intelligence regarding a terrorist's presence.
During the initial phase of the operation, several gunshots were heard, but no direct contact was made with the suspect. Fresh intelligence suggests that the terrorist may have escaped the initial cordon, taking advantage of the difficult terrain and darkness. It is believed the suspect took food from a shepherd in a nearby area around midnight before moving deeper into the forest.
In response, reinforcements have been deployed, and over a dozen villages around Najote have been cordoned off to locate the terrorist and any potential associates. The Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) also launched a search operation in Jakhole Baira and nearby villages in the Rajbagh area after a local resident reported suspicious movement of two people near his cattle shed; however, no suspects were found.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan chaired a high-level security review meeting in Jammu to assess Republic Day preparations and ongoing anti-terror operations. The meeting follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah's January 8 directive to intensify the crackdown on terrorist infrastructure and financing networks. Officials briefed the Home Secretary on anti-terror operations in Jammu, particularly in high-altitude terrains and dense forest belts. Security agencies believe nearly three dozen militants, including Pakistani nationals, remain hidden in these areas after infiltrating the region over two years ago. The operations aim to neutralize these groups before they can regroup or launch attacks. The meeting also addressed the increase in drone activity along the International Border and the Line of Control.
Security measures have been increased across the Jammu region ahead of Republic Day, focusing on border villages and high-altitude areas to prevent terrorist activity. Recent drone intrusions from across the border have raised concerns, leading to the deployment of additional forces at sensitive locations. Intensified patrolling, area domination exercises, and night surveillance are being conducted to prevent infiltration attempts or airdropping of arms and narcotics.
