Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified vigil in the high altitude areas of Chenab valley district in the Union territory in a bid to thwart any attempt by the terrorists to disrupt New Year celebrations.
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According to officials, a major counter-terrorist operation has been underway since the past few days in the upper reaches of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Chenab valley, including the snow-bound areas and adjoining Udhampur, Reasi, and Kathua districts, besides Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Intelligence assessments indicate that nearly 30 to 35 Pakistani terrorists are currently active in the forests of the Jammu region. Security forces have intensified efforts to flush them out after the recent snowfall in the higher reaches as they believe that the militants may shift base and move to lower areas close to populated areas before the complete closure of the mountain passes, reports news agency PTI.
As per intelligence assessments, terrorist groups active in Doda, Kishtwar, and parts of Udhampur district bordering Bhaderwah since the last two years could try to disrupt New Year celebrations by exploiting dense fog, extreme cold, and difficult terrain, a police officer noted.
The intensified operations by troops of the Rashtriya Rifles and the SOG have also extended to Bhalessa bordering the Chamba district of neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, officials said.
A few days ago, sources said the security forces made a “decisive shift” in the operational approach as they adopted a “proactive winter posture”, establishing temporary bases and surveillance posts deep within the snow-capped areas to maintain pressure on the possible terrorist hideouts.
