*Hunt for Terror: Joint Forces Launch Intensive Operation in Udhampur and Kathua Following Village Defence Guard’s Sacrifice”***
*ADGP Anand Jain, “Hunt is on…Terrorists will be tracked down soon”*
May 2, 2024
||Black and White Digital News||
In a determined effort to neutralize the threat posed by terrorists infiltrating Jammu and Kashmir, security agencies have escalated their search operation into Kathua district, broadening their scope in pursuit of two groups responsible for the recent killing of a village defence guard (VDG) in Udhampur district.
The VDG bravely sacrificed his life during a skirmish with terrorists at the remote Panara village in Chochru Gala heights early last Sunday. Following this tragic incident, a comprehensive hunt was initiated, showcasing a unified front of police, army, and CRPF forces.
As the search operation progresses into its fourth day on Wednesday, security officials have expanded their focus to encompass Basantgarh, Bani, and Seoj areas spanning both Udhampur and Kathua districts. Despite no fresh contact with the fleeing terrorists, intelligence indicates their separate movements—one group observed in the upper reaches of Udhampur, and the other traced towards Bani, Daggar, and Kindli regions of Kathua.
Reports suggest one of the groups was detected in the challenging terrain of Allo Top and Seoj dense forests in Udhampur, prompting an augmented presence of security personnel to fortify the cordon along the extensive high-altitude forest belt linking Udhampur and Kathua. This reinforcement includes increased aerial surveillance leveraging helicopters, UAVs, and drones, alongside the deployment of additional ground forces to intensify the pursuit and neutralization of terrorists.
Several individuals have been apprehended for questioning, a testament to the relentless efforts of security forces aiming to dismantle these terror networks. Additional Director General of Police (Jammu zone) Anand Jain has affirmed the presence of two terrorist groups, estimated between four to six members each, and assured that law enforcement is leveraging multiple intelligence inputs to eradicate this threat.
Official sources reveal that the terrorists had crossed into Basantgarh from the adjoining Kathua district post-infiltration across the border, targeting the Chenab Valley. This area historically served as a transit route for terrorists heading towards Doda and Kashmir, reflecting the strategic significance of the ongoing operation in preventing further infiltration and safeguarding the region’s security.
The concerted efforts of the police and army, backed by advanced technology and strategic deployment, underscore a resolute commitment to eliminate terrorism and safeguard the lives of citizens. The sacrifices made by the VDG and the unwavering dedication of our security forces epitomize valor and serve as a beacon of hope in the fight against terror in Jammu and Kashmi
