Military Operation in Poonch & Rajouri in Jammu-Kashmir likely to prolong

Jammu – Saturday marked the 20th day of the ongoing counter-terrorism military operation in the forests of Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu & Kashmir. There are signs that the operation may further get extended. As informed by the officials, the terrorists are on a continuous move to avoid a confrontation with the Indian forces. While the seasonal change brings in snowfall, attempts of intrusions across the border have increased. Terrorist activities across LOC has also been reported to have increased.

After an encounter on 11th October, a counter operation was launched in the forests of Bhata Dhuriya in the Mander region of Poonch district within the forests of neighbouring Surankote. The military forces come across terrorists in the Pir Panjal forest area between Poonch and Rajouri. However, there was no confrontation. A local labourer provided information about the terrorist movements. This is the largest and longest operation in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 18 years. In 2003, a similar operation called Sarpa Vinash was conducted at the Hill kaka area in the forest of Surankote. During the operation, which lasted from January to April, 62 terrorists had been eliminated.

The ongoing operation is expected to continue in the same manner for a long time. So far, a large cache of weapons has been seized. Few terrorist hideouts have been destroyed. Some locals are suspected of assisting the terrorists; some people have been arrested, including two women. These locals are accused of providing food and other assistance to the terrorists.

According to a military official, the militants are currently avoiding confrontation with security forces. The terrorists benefit from the dense forests and natural caves and constantly flee from the security forces, making it difficult to pin down.

Vehicular movement on Bhimbar Gali, Jera Wali Gali and Jammu-Rajouri highway remain closed since fortnight due to the ongoing operation. There have been multiple infiltration attempts in this area since June. Nine terrorists have been killed so far. Meanwhile, a bomb blast at Nowshera on Saturday killed two soldiers, including an officer.

Roads, schools in Jammu and Kashmir to be named after martyrs

Four days ago, the Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to name roads, schools, and government institutions after martyrs in Jammu and Kashmir. A list of 108 names was prepared; 76 names were shortlisted and announced for various organizations in the last two days. Orders have also been issued to narrate the stories of these martyrs to the children in these schools.

For many years, CRPF has been allocated land in 10 locations for permanent camps for the first time. Four of these lands are in Pulwama and three each in Shopian and Anantnag.