Security forces have significantly heightened their vigilance and operational tempo across various sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Jammu region, following intelligence reports indicating the suspected movement of Pakistani terrorists in forested terrains. Senior military and police officials are actively engaged in reviewing operational readiness, intelligence sharing mechanisms, and overall security arrangements, with a specific focus on sensitive areas along the Line of Control (LoC). This intensified security posture comes amid ongoing counter-terror operations that have seen recent successes against militant groups operating within the Union Territory.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that on Sunday, joint teams comprising personnel from the Army and police initiated multiple search operations in the Rajouri and Udhampur districts. These operations were prompted by specific intelligence inputs and credible reports from local residents who had observed the presence of suspected individuals. In a notable incident within the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri, three unidentified suspects reportedly abducted a local villager, Anil Sudan, late on Saturday night near Upper Lardia. Officials later confirmed that Sudan was released after the suspects allegedly coerced him into serving as a guide to navigate them towards the Dua Khad forest area. Following this development, security forces launched an extensive cordon-and-search operation to apprehend the suspects. However, as of Sunday evening, no contact had been established with the individuals, and the search operation was ongoing.
Further reinforcing the security alert, another operation was launched in the Mandugala Dhok forest area of Rajouri after local residents reported observing the movement of two suspected terrorists. Concurrently, security personnel conducted thorough searches in Chigli Keya village, located within the Udhampur district. These localized operations are part of a broader strategy to maintain pressure on militants believed to be concealed in the region’s extensive forest belts and mountainous interiors. The counter-terror operations across the Union Territory have been intensified in the wake of recent operational successes achieved against various terrorist organizations.
In Srinagar, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C) of the Northern Command, presided over a high-level security review meeting. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to meticulously assess the prevailing security situation, evaluate operational preparedness, and enhance inter-agency coordination. According to officials present at the meeting, the Army Commander underscored the critical importance of greater synergy among all security agencies, emphasizing the need for real-time intelligence sharing and integrated planning to bolster operational readiness and maximize the effectiveness of joint operations. This strategic emphasis aims to create a more cohesive and responsive security apparatus capable of preempting and neutralizing threats.
In parallel, Lieutenant General Mohit Seth, General Officer Commanding of the Nagrota-based White Knight Corps, undertook a visit to forward posts situated along the Line of Control in the Poonch and Krishna Ghati sectors. His visit was dedicated to reviewing operational preparedness and assessing the efficacy of counter-infiltration measures currently in place. During his tour, he received comprehensive briefings on the prevailing security environment, the sophistication of surveillance mechanisms, and the ongoing efforts to enhance operational effectiveness. General Seth urged the troops deployed in these forward areas to maintain the highest standards of vigilance and operational readiness, acknowledging the challenging operational conditions and the constant threat posed by infiltrators.
Senior police leadership has also been actively involved in conducting security reviews across the region. Deputy Inspector General of Police Sargun Shukla visited Kishtwar district, where she chaired a meeting to comprehensively review the security and crime situation. Local officials provided her with detailed briefings on terrorism-related challenges, the district’s counter-terror preparedness, and the status of ongoing operations. Earlier, Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Tejinder Singh, conducted a visit to Kathua district. During his visit, he issued directives to officers to strengthen the security grid in light of the evolving security scenario and the approaching festive season, which often presents increased security challenges.
Security agencies remain on a heightened state of alert, continuing coordinated operations with the objective of preventing infiltration attempts and disrupting terrorist activities. The intensified vigil and proactive operations underscore the commitment of security forces to maintaining peace and stability in the Jammu region and the wider Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The focus on intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation is a cornerstone of the current security strategy, aiming to dismantle militant networks and ensure the safety of citizens. The continuous review of operational preparedness by senior commanders signifies the dynamic nature of the security challenges and the adaptive strategies being employed to counter them effectively.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.