Srinagar, July 21: The massive counter-terror operation in Dachhan area of Kishtwar district entered its second consecutive day on Monday, with security forces intensifying efforts to flush out terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forests of in the region.
Operation CHERJI, launched on Sunday evening by a joint team of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces, was initiated following intelligence inputs suggesting the presence of two to three terrorists in the area.
A fierce exchange of fire marked the first day of the operation, during which contact was established with terrorists and the operation was in progress,” he said, adding that the Indian Army remains fully committed to neutralizing the threat,” he said.
PRO Defence Jammu Division, Lt Col SuneelBartwal told Rising Kashmir that a massive search operation is underway in the dense forests and technical equipment has been deployed to trace terrorists and monitor the search operation.
“Although there is no contact with hiding terrorists, area domination exercises are underway in the Kishtwar forests. Area is being closely monitored,” he said.
Lt. Col Bartwal said the entire forest range is under a tight security cordon to neutralize the hiding terrorists. The area is mountainous and the forest is dense, making the operation both difficult and dangerous,” he said.
“We have pressed high end drones and helicopters to assist the marching troops, which includes para-commandos, in the jungle. The operation remains in full swing and those forces are combing the area meticulously, given the possibility of militants attempting to break the security ring,” he added.
To assess the on-ground situation and guide the operational strategy, senior officer from Police and army visited the district on Monday. They reviewed the anti-terror operation with senior officers and stressed on maintaining high alert in the region.
Meanwhile, additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area to tighten the cordon around the forest belt, where at least two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped. Sources suggest the terrorists may be holed up in the Chatroo forest zone, a region known for its difficult terrain and thick vegetation.
