Terror suspects spotted, search ops launched in J&K’s Doda & Poonch

JAMMU: Security forces launched joint cordon-and-search operations in J&K’s Doda and Poonch districts on being alerted about the sighting of terror suspects, officials said Tuesday.Cordon-and-search operations were initiated in Doda’s upper reaches after some locals captured a video of four suspected ultras trekking along Ramtund Peak and informed authorities late Monday afternoon. According to preliminary information, the group allegedly comprised three Pakistani and one local terrorist.Additional personnel from the Army, CRPF and police, along with reinforcements, were rushed to the area from Udhampur on Tuesday morning, officials said, adding that no contact was established with the suspects until evening.Ramtund area lies near the Seoj Dhar belt, situated on the Doda-Udhampur axis, which further connects to Kathua region. Terrorists have traditionally used this route to travel and hide, as the topography features dense vegetation and natural caves, officials said.The searches in Doda came four days after local police put up posters across J&K, announcing Rs 15 lakh reward for credible information leading to the arrest of self-styled Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Lateef Bhat.Separately, security forces launched an intensive combing operation in Poonch’s Mendhar sector upon noticing suspicious movement near an under-construction tunnel. “A security guard manning the site spotted the suspects and fired three to four rounds as a precautionary measure, following which a joint team of SOG and CRPF launched a search operation around 6am Tuesday in the nearby forested stretches of Bhatadurian, Sangiot and adjoining areas,” an official said.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.