Jammu, May 27 (IANS) The anti-terrorist operation in J&K’s Rajouri district entered its fourth day on Wednesday, and the Northern Army Commander, Lt General Pratik Sharma, visited the area.

“Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC, visited general area #GambhirMughlan for an operational review and situational assessment of #OperationSheruwali”, the Nagrota-headquartered army command said on X.

“The Army Commander interacted with representatives of local #IndianArmy formations, #JKP, #IB, #CRPF and other stakeholders to review the evolving operational dynamics and strengthen inter-agency #synergy. He also engaged with troops deployed in the area and commended their relentless resolve, high morale and steadfast commitment while operating in a demanding environment,” it said.

“Emphasising mission focus and operational excellence, the Army Commander exhorted all teams to pursue the objective with professional acumen, precision and a shared sense of purpose,” the command posted.

The gunfight with the hiding terrorists started in the Dorimal Gambhir Mughlan forest area on Sunday when joint security forces started a cordon and search operation (CASO) in the area following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the area.

Reports said 2-3 Pakistani terrorists, including two hardcore terrorists, are trapped inside the cordoned-off area.

Some reports said that the three trapped terrorists include Abu Hamza and Iliyas Fauji, both Pakistani nationals involved in attacks on security forces in Rajouri during 2023 and 2024.

There is, however, no official confirmation about the exact identity of the trapped terrorists so far.

The ongoing anti-terror operation in the Dorimal Gambhir Mughlan forests of Rajouri is yet another intense counter-insurgency operation in the area.

The Poonch-Rajouri sector has seen a series of significant counter-terror operations and attacks during recent years, including the present one, code-named “Operation Sheruwali”.

–IANS

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