Daijiworld Media Network - Jammu

Jammu, May 24: A joint anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district continued for the second consecutive day on Sunday as security forces intensified efforts to trace terrorists believed to be hiding in the dense forest region of Ghambir Mughlan.

The encounter began on Saturday after terrorists allegedly opened fire on security personnel during a search operation launched on the basis of intelligence inputs about the presence of two to three militants in the area.

Security forces, including the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force, retaliated, leading to an exchange of fire deep inside the forest terrain.

The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the operation on social media, stating that contact with the terrorists was established around 11:30 a.m. during the intelligence-based joint mission.

According to officials, reinforcements were immediately deployed to seal possible escape routes after the initial gunfight. The entire forest belt has since been placed under a tight security cordon.

The Ghambir Mughlan region, situated in the Pir Panjal range, is considered a difficult zone for counter-terror operations because of its rugged hills, thick forests and limited accessibility.

Security personnel have intensified surveillance in surrounding areas, setting up checkpoints and monitoring movement on nearby routes while conducting systematic combing operations across multiple forest pockets.

Officials believe that two to three terrorists may still be trapped inside the forest area. No casualties have been reported from either side so far.

Residents in nearby villages have been cooperating with security agencies as the operation continues, with authorities maintaining heightened vigilance across the region.