Security forces have launched a massive search operation at around two dozen places, in higher reaches and forest areas along the Line of Control, to counter militants who are allegedly hiding and carrying out terror activities in the region, officials said.
Following deadly terror attacks in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch in 2021, militants spread their activities to almost entire districts of the Jammu region last year, leaving 44 people, including 18 security personnel and 13 militants.
While Poonch and Rajouri witnessed a steep decrease in violence in 2024 compared to previous years, however violence in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Kathua, Udhampur and Jammu from April-May Onwards have substantially increased in 2024.
On search operation, the officials said an operation is underway at 23 places, including 10 in the Chenab valley districts of Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar, seven in the Rajouri-Poonch belt, and three in Udhampur, two in Reasi, and one in Jammu district.
The relentless operations by the army in the vulnerable areas, especially in the dense forests, in close synergy with police and central armed police forces, are meant to counter the terror threats and thwart attempts by Pakistan-based handlers to spread terrorism to the Jammu region, they said.
Also read: Pakistani Intruder nabbed by security forces in Jammu's Poonch
According to official data, Doda, Kathua, and Reasi districts recorded nine killings each, followed by Kishtwar (five), Udhampur (four), Jammu and Rajouri (three each), and Poonch (two) last year.
The militants, according to Intel agencies, are mostly foreign-based, as the local recruitment numbers have gone down to the lowest since 2011.
The regional experts maintain the official numbers may be misleading since the entire counter-insurgency theatre has shifted to Jammu since 2021.
However, with a strong presence and intensified anti-militancy operations in the valley, the security forces have largely managed to control the situation in Kashmir.
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