Massive search operations underway to track terrorists in Udhampur forests

Srinagar, April 10: Massive search operations are underway in the Marta village of Ramnagar, Udhampur, following Wednesday’s encounter between security forces and terrorists. Security has been heightened across the region, with drone surveillance, aerial reconnaissance, and special forces deployed.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, told Rising Kashmir that a large-scale cordon and search operation is ongoing, with intelligence inputs suggesting that two to three terrorists are hiding in the dense forest area.
“This is an extremely inaccessible region due to its mountainous terrain, a river gorge below, and thick forest cover. We believe that the terrorists are concealed deep inside the jungle, and the search operation is continuing accordingly,” he said.
SSP Nagpure said that contact was established with the terrorists during a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and security forces in Jopher village, under Ramnagar Police Station limits.
“Two to three terrorists have been trapped and an exchange of fire is ongoing,” he said. “The operation continues with intensity. The entire forest belt remains under a tight security cordon to neutralise the hiding militants.”
He further stated that rigorous ‘Naka’ checking and vehicle inspections have been enforced across the region to prevent any escape. “Given the difficult terrain and dense forest, this operation poses significant challenges,” he added.
To strengthen the operation, additional troops and advanced surveillance equipment, including drones, have been deployed.
In a separate development, anti-terrorist operations are ongoing in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district. A police official said that Army and Police units have intensified the hunt, supported by high-end drones, helicopters, and para commandos.
“Multiple drones, three helicopters, and other technical equipment are being used to track the terrorists believed to be hiding in the region,” the official said. “Para commandos have been deployed to carry out this high-risk operation.”
He added that the terrorists are suspected to have infiltrated from across the border and taken refuge in the forested areas. “With aerial and ground support, efforts are underway to neutralize the threat,” he said.
Meanwhile, regarding a flag meeting held at the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch, PRO Defence Jammu, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, said:
“Flag meetings are a routine part of LoC and border management, as per the DGMO-level understanding between the two sides. Today’s meeting was held to discuss standard operational matters along the LoC,” he added.
On March 23, a gunfight had erupted in Sanyal village of Kathua district—just 4 km from the international border with Pakistan. That operation later extended to Safiyan Jakhole village, where two terrorists were killed and four policemen lost their lives.
In light of the recent uptick in terrorist activity, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security review meeting in Srinagar on Tuesday.