JAMMU, Nov 28: Security forces have launched massive joint search and cordon operation in different areas in the upper reaches of Basantgarh after three suspected terrorists reportedly appeared in a house and sought food. Forested areas in the surroundings, leading to Kathua on one side and Doda on the other, are also been searched.
There have been reports about presence of the terrorists in upper reaches of Basantgarh in Udhampur district but they keep on shifting their hideouts to Doda or Kathua following pressure maintained by security forces.
Reports said three suspected terrorists knocked doors of a Bakerwal’s house at Chigla-Balotha in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district last night and sought food at gun point. However, the Bakerwal, whose identity has been kept secret, refused to give food to the terrorists and fled away from the house in panic.Sensing trouble, the terrorists also left the spot without taking any food.
The Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and local police immediately launched search operation in the entire area. Later, Army, CRPF and SOG also joined the searches which continued throughout the day today.
However, no contact has been established with the terrorists.
Besides Chigla-Balotha, the security personnel also started operations in surrounding villages and forested areas to track down the terrorists.
Basantgarh is located along a traditional infiltration route often used by Pakistani terrorists who cross the International Border in Kathua and move through the higher reaches towards Doda and Kishtwar districts in the Jammu region before heading further into the Kashmir valley.
The area has witnessed multiple encounters and terror-related incidents in the past.
A top Pakistani commander of the terror outfit has also been killed in the area.
Meanwhile, security forces have launched search operation in forest areas along the International Border (IB) in Samba district.
Searches covered forward areas of Mawa, Matwal, Madoon, Panoora, Arangal Nursery and surroundings.
However, no contact has been established with the suspects.
Police has been maintaining very high alert in the border areas and upper reaches of different districts in the Jammu region to eliminate or apprehend the terrorists. Army and paramilitary forces have been joining the search operations at different places. The SOG pickets have also been set up in many areas.
