J&K Search operation widened to track terrorists hiding in Udhampur forest

Security forces, including the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, have widened search operations in the Majalta forest area of Udhampur district following multiple sightings of terrorists in the region. The terrorists are believed to be the same group involved in the December 15 encounter in which a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan was killed. Despite an intense cordon, the ultras are still believed to be moving within the dense forest area. Initially, security agencies suspected the presence of three terrorists during the encounter. However, recent sightings indicate that two terrorists are currently active in the area. On Saturday evening, the duo reportedly entered a house in Mottu village and demanded food from a local resident.

Initially, security agencies suspected the presence of three terrorists during the encounter. However, recent sightings indicate that two terrorists are currently active in the area. On Saturday evening, the duo reportedly entered a house in Mottu village and demanded food from a local resident.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Jammu Police on Sunday recovered a scope that can be mounted on a sniper rifle or assault weapon. The Chinese-made scope was found in the possession of a child in the Sidhra area, close to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters.

Police questioned the child’s family as similar equipment is often used by Pakistani terrorists. The origin of the scope is yet to be ascertained and further investigation is underway.

In a statement, Jammu police said, “Jammu (Rural) police recovered a telescope that can be mounted on a weapon from the Sidhra area. Local police and SOG teams are conducting further inquiry into the matter. The public is advised not to panic.”

Security forces carried out searches in areas located near the Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, which is set to be the main venue for the Republic Day celebrations in Kashmir

Sniffer dogs and metal detectors were pressed into service to look for any explosives or arms, and ammunition in some residential units of the densely populated business areas of Amirakadal and Maharaja Bazaar

The iconic Clock Tower at Lal Chowk, which has turned into a tourist hub in the past four years, is also a stone's throw from Amirakadal, where the searches were conducted

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Courtesy: The Tribune -23-Dec-2025