A sweeping security cordon remains firmly in place across five key districts of the Jammu division as joint teams scour rugged forest terrain to eliminate any remaining threats. An alert was sounded across Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar following a fierce exchange of fire in the dense woods of Majalta. On Sunday, security forces expanded the search perimeter under Operation Sohan, deploying intensive surveillance along vital mountain corridors.
Three Days of Relentless Operations in Forest Terrains
The joint operation originally commenced on the night of September 16 across the dense forest belts of Bartal, Sohan, and Khubban. A heavy confrontation ensued early on the morning of September 17, during which security personnel successfully eliminated two Pakistani terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed. A third terrorist sustained bullet injuries during the firefight and is believed to be holed up within the natural caverns and undergrowth of the forest. The mission entered its third consecutive day with an unwavering objective to track down this injured militant.
Securing a Historical Infiltration Corridor
The tactical effort is being spearheaded through close coordination among the Army's White Knight Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force. This operational sector holds profound strategic importance because it forms part of an established, historical infiltration axis. The pathway originates near the Kathua-Samba border region and winds through Majalta, Basantgarh, and Ramnagar, subsequently crossing through Doda, Bhaderwah, and Kishtwar before accessing South Kashmir. To deny any breakout attempt along this trail, additional joint checkpoints have been established across border zones and forested fringes well beyond Majalta.
Deployment of Thermal Imaging, Sniffer Dogs, and Forensic Experts
To navigate the difficult landscape, ground teams are leveraging trained sniffer dogs, aerial drones, and helicopters fitted with specialized thermal imaging equipment. Mobile handsets and other tactical belongings recovered from the slain terrorists have been dispatched for detailed forensic analysis to trace their local handlers and back-end support structures. Additionally, specialized forensic units are mapping blood spatters and physical drag marks left behind along the escape path taken by the wounded militant.
Cracking Down on Ground Networks and Highway Scrutiny
Concurrently, authorities have apprehended a suspected over-ground worker who is undergoing interrogation regarding allegations of supplying logistics, guideship, and safe shelter to the module. Fresh search operations have been launched at multiple locations based on leads extracted during this questioning. Travel routes across the region have witnessed heightened vehicle checks, especially along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, as well as secondary networks connecting Majalta, Ramnagar, Basantgarh, Billawar, and Ramkot. Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma commended the swift tactical execution of the White Knight Corps and highlighted the seamless cohesion displayed by the Army, police, and paramilitary units throughout the operation.
