Forces hunt for scores of fugitive ultras active in Pir Panjal, Jammu division

JAMMU: Security forces are conducting intensive search operations in the south of Pir Panjal and the hilly hinterlands of Jammu division to track around 40-50 fugitive terrorists — affiliated with multiple proscribed outfits — active in the region, officials said.

“Approximately 30 Jaish-e-Mohammad ultras are active in Udhampur , Reasi, Doda, and Kishtwar districts, while around 15-20 are active in Rajouri and Poonch districts. A majority of them — about 80-85% — are Pakistani nationals,” said an official, citing intelligence assessments and ground reports.

“A series of counter-terror operations are underway in the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar (hinterlands), Doda and Basantgarh axis (upper reaches of Udhampur-Kathua belt),” the official said, adding that these exercises are mostly based on intelligence inputs from security agencies and sometimes tip-offs by locals.

A multi-tier strategy remains in place to assist the operations. These include air surveillance to track terrorists; anti-drone strategy to check air-dropped consignments; additional deployment of troops in higher reaches of strategic areas, and intensified night operations using night vision devices and other equipment, officials said.

The security grid in specific areas has been fortified, with reinforcements positioned across sensitive and hyper-sensitive locations — especially in the higher reaches — which serve as terrorist hideouts. “Routes used by terrorists to enter Kashmir Valley have been plugged. Preventive measures are in place to block infiltration attempts,” said an official. Ground-based intelligence from locals plays a vital role in guiding troop movements during such operations.