Searches on

Jammu, Mar 24: Intensive search operation continued to hunt down the terrorists, a day after they engaged security forces in an exchange of heavy gunfire in Sanyal village along the International Border in Hiranagar of Kathua district, on Monday.

Though the search for the terrorists remained elusive, the security forces engaged in the operation recovered a few belongings and ammunition, presumably left behind by the fleeing terrorists.

Though there was no official word from the Police and the Army on this account yet the ground reports suggested that they (terrorists) had managed to escape.

Official sources said, “Terrorists left their belongings while trying to escape. Carrying heavy gear slows down the movement; while shedding weight when fleeing allows them to run faster and manoeuvre through difficult terrain more effectively. Terrorists left their belongings while trying to escape.”

According to officials, the recoveries from the site included 4 M4 carbine magazines; 4 ID packs; a pair of shoes; a Bullet-Proof jacket; a sleeping bag, track suit etc.

Meanwhile, PRO Defence Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, when contacted by Greater Kashmir about the latest status, said, “Search operation was in progress.”

On Sunday evening, an encounter had erupted between security forces and the terrorists along Sanyal village. In the heavy exchange of fire, a minor girl too had sustained (non-fatal) injuries.

However, after the initial intense exchange of gunfire between the two sides, contact could not be established, giving credence to the reports that the terrorists believed to be five in number had managed to escape.

Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat along with the senior officers of Police, Army and CRPF too had rushed there to monitor the operation after reinforcements were sent to the site, where the personnel of the Special Operation Group (SOG) of JKP were engaged in the gun-battle.

“Based on intelligence input regarding the presence of terrorists, a joint operation has been launched by @JmuKmrPolice & troops of #RisingStar Corps on 23 Mar 25 in general area Saniyal #Hiranagar. Operation is in progress,” Army’s Rising Star Corps had stated following the exchange of fire.

Notably, the terrorists, five in number, were first sighted by a couple from the village.

They had gone to the forests to collect woods where the man was caught by a group of terrorists, hiding there. His wife, however, managed to run away and sounded alert in the village. Following it, the operation was launched.

During the search operation, the hiding terrorists opened fire on SOG personnel, the first responders, thus ensuing encounter.

Late Monday evening, Rising Star Corps of the Army confirmed the recoveries from the site, through a post on ‘X’.

“Joint operation by @jmukmrpolice & #RisingStarCorps in Saniyal, # Hiranagar on 23 March, led to the recovery of warlike stores. Operation in progress,” it posted, with a picture of recoveries.