Security forces launch search operations in J&K's Rajouri and Udhampur after suspected terrorist movement

NEW DELHI: Security forces on Sunday launched search operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Udhampur districts following inputs about suspected terrorist movement in forest areas.

According to officials, the operation in Rajouri was launched after three suspected terrorists allegedly abducted a villager, Anil Sudan, near his house at Upper Lardia in the Sunderbani sector late Saturday night. The terrorists released Sudan around 3.15 am after using him as a guide to reach the Dua Khad forest, the officials said. Police and Army personnel rushed to the area after being alerted and launched a combing operation to trace the suspects. No contact has been established with them so far, officials said.

Security forces also cordoned off the Mandugala Dhok forest in Rajouri after locals reported seeing two persons dressed in black and carrying backpacks and weapons. Another search operation is underway in Chigli Keya village in Udhampur, officials said. On September 17, two Pakistani terrorists were killed in an encounter with security forces in the Majalta area of Udhampur. One more terrorist was reportedly injured but managed to escape.

This comes a day after ministry of external affairs summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Pakistan high commission to lodge a strong protest over what it described as the continued facilitation of illegal cross-border infiltration from Pakistan. India also urged Islamabad to investigate such infiltration and drug-smuggling activities, including the alleged involvement of Pakistani border forces, and take appropriate corrective measures.

"Pakistan was further urged to ensure respect for the sanctity of the International Border, strictly observe relevant bilateral arrangements, mandate its forces to exercise effective control to prevent unauthorized movement from its side, and take definitive measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents," MEA said.