J&K: Sighting of terror suspects prompts search ops in Kathua

JAMMU: Residents of Safiyan village in J&K’s Kathua district allegedly spotted two armed terror suspects on Monday morning, prompting security personnel to launch search operations in multiple border areas in the district.

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Villagers allegedly saw the duo, carrying heavy backpacks, move from Safiyan towards the forests of Ambanall in Rajbagh, officials said. “On being informed, a joint team of the Army, CRPF and J&K Police launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area. However, no trace of the suspects could be found,” said an official.

Similar combing operations were launched in Panjtirthi, Bhini Nallah, Barota and adjoining areas in Kathua’s Ramkote sector, officials said.

In March last year, Safiyan was rocked by a fierce, day-long firefight between terrorists and security forces in Jakhole area, which ended in the death of four policemen and the elimination of three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists. Seven other cops, including a DySP, were injured in the gun battle.

The region lies on the axis of the traditional infiltration route used by ultras to move towards the upper reaches of Kathua on their way to Udhampur, and then to Doda and Kishtwar, to reach Kashmir Valley.