Jammu, June 14: The anti-terror operation in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir continued on Sunday, marking its 23rd day. The operation, named ‘Operation Sherawali,’ is being conducted in the dense Dorimal forests of the Mughalan area, making it one of the longest-running anti-terror campaigns in the region.
Joint teams from the army, Jammu and Kashmir police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have intensified their operations in the challenging and rugged wilderness. The operation is taking place in the steep, rocky hills of Dorimal, where the difficult terrain poses significant challenges for the troops on the ground.
Despite the harsh conditions, security personnel remain vigilant, conducting extensive searches, increasing surveillance, and implementing measures to maintain control over the area to detect any suspicious activities.
The prolonged search operations demonstrate the security forces’ firm resolve to maintain peace and security in the bordering district. Earlier, on June 7, a soldier from the Indian Army tragically lost his life after slipping from a rock during ‘Operation Sherawali.’ Sources indicate that he lost his balance while navigating the rugged terrain, leading to severe injuries.
Following the incident, the injured soldier was promptly evacuated to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries later. Heavy gunfire erupted in the Dorimal forest area on May 28, coinciding with a critical phase of ‘Operation Sherawali.’ Security forces had intensified their cordon to eliminate suspected terrorists hiding in the dense area.
According to officials, a significant deployment of security forces was made at the encounter site, along with additional support and logistical resources to establish a strong and impenetrable cordon, preventing terrorists from escaping under the cover of the dense forest.
This operation is a large-scale anti-terror search initiative that began at the end of May. Multiple agencies are involved, aiming to locate and neutralize armed infiltrators hiding in the rugged hilly terrain.
The Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu region have re-emerged as sensitive and prominent centers for terrorist activities. These districts share a long and open stretch of the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK).
Before 2019, this area was largely declared free of terrorism. However, heavily armed terrorist groups have attempted to regain their foothold by using dense forests, rugged terrains, and natural caves as safe havens. In recent years, security forces have faced repeated ambushes, necessitating extensive control over the area and conducting cordon-and-search operations.
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