Intermittent gunfire and loud explosions echoed through a forested area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district. The operation to neutralize terrorists entered its second day on Monday, according to officials.
The terrorists are thought to be hiding inside a cave on a cliff in the Bhagna forest. The search operation began on Sunday after intelligence reports indicated the presence of two highly sought-after Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, Riyaz Ahmad and Mudassar Hazari. Both men have been active in the district for eight years and each has a reward of Rs 10 lakh.
Early Sunday morning, the terrorists opened fire on search teams before retreating further into the forest. Intermittent exchanges of fire were reported throughout the day. Reinforcements from the army, including para commandos, along with police and CRPF, have joined the operation. Drones have also been deployed to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
The last reported firing from the terrorists was Sunday evening near the cave, which is believed to be very deep. Security forces suspect the terrorists have taken shelter inside. Powerful blasts and intermittent gunfire were reported overnight, and the search operation is ongoing. Officials are awaiting further details.
