No Trace of Terrorists as Massive Rajouri Hunt Continues for 13th Day

The massive search operation launched by security forces to track down terrorists in the forest area of Manjakot tehsil in Rajouri district continued for the 13th consecutive day on Thursday.

Joint teams of the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF have been conducting extensive searches in dense forests and rugged mountainous terrain, but no concrete trace of the terrorists has been found so far.

Security agencies have divided the entire area into multiple sectors and are carrying out intensive searches. Potential hideouts, natural caves, mountain passes, and other suspicious locations are being thoroughly combed. Advanced technology is also being used to monitor and detect any suspicious activity.

During the operation, a soldier sustained minor injuries in an accidental firing incident. Sources said the weapon discharged accidentally while he was handling it during the search operation. The injured soldier was immediately shifted to a military hospital, where he is undergoing treatment and is reported to be out of danger.

According to sources, the army is also using helicopters for aerial surveillance of the forested and mountainous areas to detect any possible terrorist movement.

In addition, drone cameras are being deployed to monitor inaccessible stretches of the forest, while sniffer dogs are being used to track suspected hideouts and possible movement routes.

Despite heavy rainfall in the area on Thursday, the operation continued uninterrupted. Adverse weather conditions and slippery terrain have added to the challenges faced by the troops, but security personnel remained engaged in the search with heightened vigilance. Officials said the persistent rain has complicated the operation, but forces are fully prepared to deal with any situation.

The Manjakot forest belt is considered a challenging area for security forces due to its dense vegetation, steep hills, and difficult terrain. Despite these challenges, Army, police, and CRPF personnel remain deployed in large numbers. Security agencies believe the operation is being conducted with utmost caution and careful planning due to the possible presence of terrorists in the area.

Sources said a multi-layered security cordon has been established to prevent any suspect from escaping the forest zone. Security has also been intensified in nearby villages and along connecting roads, with movement being closely monitored.

Given the sensitivity of the operation, senior Army and police officers are supervising the search and reviewing developments regularly. They are continuously assessing inputs from field units and making necessary adjustments to the operational strategy. Security agenciesremain on high alert to counter any potential threat.

The prolonged operation has generated considerable interest among local residents. Security forces have appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours and to immediately report any suspicious activity to the police or civil administration. Officials said maintaining peace and security in the region remains their top priority.

Large-scale search operations are frequently conducted in the border and mountainous areas of Rajouri and Poonch districts in view of potential terrorist activity. The ongoing operation in the Dori Mal forest area is part of those sustained counter-terror efforts. Security agencies said the operation will continue until the entire area is thoroughly searched and sanitised.