Srinagar, Apr 21: Security forces on Monday launched a search operation on the outskirts of Samba district following reports of three individuals moving suspiciously in the area, officials said.
A senior Police Officer told Rising Kashmir that some villagers in Sandi village of the Purmandal belt spotted three men—believed to be outsiders carrying bags and sitting near a field. The residents promptly alerted the police.
“In response to the inputs from locals, we immediately cordoned off the area and launched a thorough search operation. So far, nothing suspicious has been recovered, but the operation is still in progress,” he said.
Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity in their surroundings.
In a separate incident later that evening, security forces averted a major tragedy by detecting and destroying a highly explosive mortar shell in Rajouri district.
Army officials said the shell was discovered in a field at Manyal village in the Thanamandi area by local residents, who immediately informed the Army and police. A Bomb Disposal Squad rushed to the spot and safely neutralized the explosive device.
“The timely alert from villagers and swift action by our teams prevented what could have been a catastrophic incident,” he said.