Encounter Erupts In J&K’s Rajouri, 2-3 Militants Suspected To Be Trapped

Jammu: On Saturday, suddenly bullets started firing in Dorimal forests of Rajouri district. The army and police had received information that some suspects were roaming in the area. As soon as the soldiers started the search operation, the terrorists hiding in the bushes opened fire. An encounter started in retaliation. It is believed that 2 to 3 terrorists are still trapped in the forest.

How is the operation going on surrounding the area?

As soon as the bullet was fired, the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and other agencies sealed the entire forest. The area of Dorimal is hilly, densely forested, and above all, terrorists are adept at hiding. That's why the youth are taking steps with full confidence. Officers feel that there may be more terrorists, so the search is not stopping. More soldiers have also been called from nearby camps.

Have big networks been attacked before? 

This is not the first operation. In February this year, the White Knight Corps of the Army had carried out a major blast in Kishtwar. Posters of many terrorists were released. Jaish commander Saifullah was also among them, who was said to be the mastermind of the attacks. At that time, police and CRPF along with the army had shaken the entire network.

What did the army chief tell Pakistan?

Just a few days ago, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had given a direct warning to Pakistan. On the anniversary of Operation Sindoor, he had said, “Pakistan should decide whether it wants to live in history or geography.” The meaning is clear: stop supporting terrorists, otherwise face the consequences. His indication was clear that the army will not remain silent about the activities taking place from across the border.

What changed after Operation Sindoor?

Last year, after the Pahalgam attack, India had launched Operation Sindoor. Then the army crossed the LoC and blew up terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and PoK. Since then, the attitude of the army in Jammu and Kashmir has become more strict. Now the search operation starts as soon as small news is received. Agencies are keeping an eye on every movement on the border through drones.

At present the encounter is going on in Rajouri. The soldiers are trying to ensure that not a single terrorist escapes. The operation is slow in the hilly forest but the army says that no relaxation will be given until the area is cleared.