Army launches search operation in dozens of villages in South Kashmir

Pulwama: In pursuit of militants, Indian Army on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday launched search operations in dozens of hamlets of twin districts of Pulwama and Shopian in South Kashmir.
Reports said that 44, 53 and 55 Rashtriya Rifles of Indian Army along with Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operation Group of Jammu and Kashmir Police cordoned off dozens of villages.
These villages include Kelar, Qasba Yar, Batapora, Gulabteng, Maaspora, Bamnu, Mirpora, Kelar Chek and others.
Local sources said that these villages were cordoned off to flush out militants. “People were asked to come out from their houses and thorough search operation was launched. Houses and cow sheds were checked while identity cards of villagers were thoroughly examined,” said an eyewitness.
The operation was called off as contact with the militants was not established, said an official.