Mobile internet services suspended in Rajouri, Poonch

Rajouri, Dec 23: The mobile internet services were suspended in Rajouri and Poonch districts on Saturday as a massive search and anti-terror operation in Dehra Ki Gali (DKG) forests in Bufliyaz entered the third day.

Official sources said that mobile internet services were suspended amid prevailing security concerns after a recent terror attack followed by the mysterious death of three civilians, hailing from a village near the attack site.

They said that as a precautionary measure, the authorities ordered suspension of mobile internet services in the twin districts.

“Mobile internet services were suspended on the request of local administration and this is purely a precautionary measure to avoid rumour mongering,” said official sources.

They added that the services were suspended in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. They continued to be suspended when last reports poured in.

Meanwhile, a few gunshots were heard this afternoon from forests of Dehra Ki Gali, Bufliyaz where a massive combing operation was underway.

The operation was launched on Thursday afternoon after terrorists ambushed two army vehicles on Thanamandi-DKG-Bufliyaz road passing through the forest area.

Four army personnel lost their lives while three others were injured and under treatment in army hospital.

“For the third consecutive day on Saturday, anti-terror operations continued in the area and a multi-layer cordon remained in place,” official sources said.
Meanwhile, the Army, in an official statement issued from ADGPI handle, said, “The Terrorist Initiated Incident (TII) took place at Bafliaz in Poonch-Rajouri sector in the intervening night of December 21 and 22.”

“The search operation by the security forces is continuing,” it added.

Senior army officers and police officers, including White Knight Corps Commander, Inspector General of Police had also visited the area of Dehra Ki Gali and reviewed the security situation and took stock of the ongoing operation.