CASO in Kathua, operations continue in Seoj Dhar, Kishtwar

Jammu, Sep 22: Security forces Monday launched a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Malhar area in Kathua district following suspicious movement of terrorists.

Meanwhile, the operations already underway in Seoj Dhar forests, bordering Doda and Udhampur districts, and in Keshwar forests of Kishtwar also continued.

In and around Seoj Dhar forests, the operation entered its fourth day on Monday.

A soldier was killed on the intervening night of September 19 and 20 in the exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists after the contact was established.

In Keshwan forests of Kishtwar district, CASO, launched after brief contact leading to exchange of fire on Sunday afternoon, continued for the second day on Monday.

No fresh contact was established at both the places after the initial contacts.

In a fresh development, officials stated that a joint search operation was launched on Monday in and around the Malhar area in Kathua district after reports about the sighting of two terrorists.

Till late evening, there was no contact between security forces and terrorists, however, the search operation persisted with reinforcements rushing to the area.

Amid ongoing operations, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight (16) Corps, Lieutenant General P K Mishra, joined by GOC Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) Delta, Major General A P S Bal, reviewed the operational readiness of troops in Doda district.