The search operation following the fierce encounter between militants and security forces in the upper reaches of Anantnag continued for the third day on Monday, with officials saying it had been intensified further in the dense forest areas.

Official sources told The Tribune that additional forces had been rushed to the spot and the search operation was extended further in the vast forest.

Meanwhile, a search operation is also underway in the Doda-Bhaderwah region, which is connected to Anantnag through forests.

Officials maintain that there had been no fresh contact with the militants since Saturday, when the first contact was established. The death toll in the ongoing operation had risen to three on Sunday, after a civilian succumbed to his injuries.

VK Birdi, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir Zone, was among the top police officers who reached Anantnag district on Sunday morning. It was suspected to be a group of two to three militants and a search operation is underway.

Locals from villages in Kokernag, meanwhile, continue to claim that many people have been taken along by security forces. They say many of them are released in the evening.

Jammu: Search operations continued in Udhampur and Kishtwar district after two brief encounters on Sunday. The police, Army and the CRPF were using drones and sniffer dogs to detect terrorists behind the gunfights. However, adverse weather conditions were causing hurdles in the search operation. OC

Courtesy: The Tribune India: 13th July , 2024