Massive anti-terror operations underway in upper reaches of Gulmarg

Srinagar, Sep 13: Joint teams of the Army, Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have initiated extensive combing operations across the upper reaches of Gulmarg and the Kandi-Sultanpora belt in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The operations target dense forest areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and over 35 villages to prevent any infiltration from across the border in the Gulmarg sector.

The Gulmarg sector holds significant strategic importance due to its geographical, military, and socio-economic attributes.

Nestled in the Pir Panjal range and located just kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC), this area is a critical frontier in India’s security architecture.

The operations focus on flushing out any hidden terrorists in these strategically sensitive zones. Gulmarg, a popular ski resort and tourist hotspot located just kilometers from the LoC, has seen an ambush on security forces leading to the killing of three soldiers last year.

A top official from the security establishment told Greater Kashmir that operations are intense and massive. “The operation is going on in the upper reaches—dense forests along the Line of Control in the Gulmarg sector,” the official said. “At the same time, operations are underway in 35 villages of Kandi-Sultanpora. These are comprehensive cordon-and-search operations (CASO) involving ground teams, drones, and canine units to ensure no stone is left unturned.”

“The operations have been launched to prevent any infiltration from across the border,” he said. “We cannot afford to take chances, especially in the border area where infiltration attempts from across the border remain a constant challenge. Our forces are fully deployed to secure the area and prevent any disruption to civilian life or tourism.”

“Our SOG teams are working shoulder-to-shoulder with the Army to cover every inch of these forested and village areas,” a senior security forces official said here. “The focus is on precision operations to minimize civilian inconvenience while maximizing our ability to track and neutralise threats. We urge the public to share any information that could aid us in maintaining peace.”

“Drones and surveillance equipment are being utilized to scan the dense foliage where visibility is low,” another official said. “These joint efforts underscore our commitment to a terror-free Kashmir, and we are optimistic about positive results.”

“Gulmarg’s location near the LoC makes it a spot for cross-border infiltration attempts by terrorists. The dense forests, rugged terrain, and high-altitude passes provide natural cover for terrorists attempting to cross into Indian territory from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir,” the official said. “The Army maintains a robust multi-layered counter-infiltration grid in the Gulmarg sector, including forward posts, surveillance drones, and thermal imaging systems.”