Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, Oct 1: A joint search operation was launched early Wednesday morning in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district following reports of suspicious movement near the International Border, officials confirmed.

The operation, involving the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Border Security Force (BSF), was initiated in the Rajbagh sector, specifically near Jhathana village along the Ujh river, after locals reported seeing three unidentified individuals, one of whom was said to be carrying a large backpack.

While no suspects have been located so far, officials say footprints found in the area confirm movement, prompting security forces to continue combing the region thoroughly.

Jhathana village’s proximity to the border makes it a sensitive location, with a history of cross-border intrusions by terrorists, some of whom have previously taken civilians hostage to demand food and shelter.

To counter such threats, security forces maintain a constant watch on border villages. The goal is to intercept infiltrators before they can carry out attacks against civilians or security personnel.

Jammu and Kashmir shares a 240-km-long International Border across the Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, guarded primarily by the BSF. The region also includes a 740-km Line of Control (LoC) across Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Poonch, Rajouri, and parts of Jammu, where the Indian Army is responsible for surveillance and control.

With increasing instances of cross-border drone activity used to drop weapons, drugs, and cash, the BSF has also deployed anti-drone technology to strengthen security along the International Border.

The search operation in Kathua remains ongoing.