Post terror attack: Massive search operation launched in Kathua

JAMMU, July 09: A massive joint search operation was launched by the Army and Police in the Machedi area of Kathua district on Tuesday to track down the terrorists who ambushed an Army vehicle yesterday, killing five soldiers and injuring five others.
Highly placed sources in the defence forces informed Rising Kashmir that seven teams of the Army and seven teams of the Police are conducting an intensive search operation in different areas adjoining Machedi.
“Seven teams of Army and seven teams of Police have been conducting joint search operation in different areas Macedhi and other areas of Kathua district,” a senior officer said wishing anonymity.
The security forces have pressed in choppers to search the entire area where the terrorists ambushed the Army vehicle yesterday. The search operation is still ongoing, with the Army and Police working together to ensure the safety of the region.
The DGP, J&K Police, RR Swain, and ADGP, Jammu Zone, Anand Jain, visited the ambush site by chopper and reviewed the ongoing search operation in Machedi and its surrounding areas.
A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) visited Machedi to collect evidence and may take over the inquiry into the terror attack.
Following the attack, multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place by the security forces to ensure the safety of AmarnathYatra pilgrims. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Jammu and Kashmir police personnel have been deployed along the National Highway (NH44) in Udhampur.
Notably, today at about 7:40 am , 12/13 officials of SOG Kathua along with Army’s team started search operation from Kandi towards Chachru Gala KhadduNallah and its adjoining areas.
Earlier, at 7:20 am, Army chopper was pressed into service to search the entire area adjoining Badnota near JendaNallah.
At around, 11:45 am, Brigadier 84 Brigade, Pathankot, Col SB Gill Dyal along with CO 22 Ghadwal, Ajay Bhader arrived by road at JendaNallah, Badnota, where the terror attack had taken place.