Security forces launch anti-terror operation in J&K's Kathua district

Security forces on Tuesday launched search operations in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district following information about movement of suspected terrorists, officials said.

The joint cordon and search operation by police, army and CRPF was underway in the upper reaches of Lowang and Sarthal in Bani area since this morning, they said.

They said security forces received information about suspected movement of terrorists and immediately started the anti-terror operation to neutralise the threat.

Special Operations Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police, meanwhile, also conducted a thorough search operation Manohar Gopala and Shatala camp area in Samba district for several hours this morning.

The operation was part of the area domination exercise and concluded peacefully, the officials said.

The officials said a joint search operation is also continuing in the densely forested Singhpora area of Chatroo in Kishtwar district for the sixth day on Tuesday.

The operation started on May 22 following an encounter with terrorists which left one soldier dead. However, the terrorists managed their escape taking advantage of the thick foliage and challenging topography.

There was no further contact with the terrorists even as a search operation to track down and neutralise the terrorists continued in the area, the officials said.