Massive Search Operations On In South Kashmir, Jammu Region, India-Pak Armies Trade Fire
Rs 20 lakh reward announced for info about attackers
Srinagar : In the aftermath of the Pahalgam militant attack that left 26 civilians, mostly tourists dead, security forces have intensified anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reports said that Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat is personally supervising multiple ongoing anti-militancy operations in Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama and Shopian in South Kashmir. “The security forces during search of Asif Sheikh’s –involved in #pahalgamattack— house at Moghama Tral a suspicious box was found. Wires were protruding out of the box. After confirmation by #IndianArmy RR’s Engineers team it was destroyed in-situ resulting in explosion. In the explosion the house was partially damaged. No loss of life was reported, as the area was cleared and neighbouring houses were evacuated,” the official said. He said the house of another militant Aadil Thokar of Bijbehara was demolished this morning.
Police said that both are active militants and are linked to the Pahalgam attack.
Meanwhile, two policemen were injured in an encounter with militants in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday. “Following a tip off security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Kulnar Bazipora in Bandipora district. The search operation turned into an encounter after the hiding militants opened fire on the security forces’ positions,” said an official. He said two policemen were injured in the firing by militants.
A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team, led by Inspector General Vijay Sakhare, currently stationed in Srinagar has formally taken over the probe with logistical and intelligence support from Jammu and Kashmir Police, sources said. They said the probe agency is looking into both local and cross-border links that could have played a role in orchestrating the attack. Meanwhile, a team of forensic experts visited Baisaran, militant attack site, in Pahalgam to collect the evidence. “Security forces have intensified searches at the houses of active militants and suspected OGWs in districts like Shopian, Pulwama, and Anantnag,” said an official, adding, “The operations are aimed at uncovering any support network or safe houses that may have aided the attackers before or after the assault.” The official said that choppers and drones are being used to look for the militants involved in the Pahalgam militant attack. He said that security has been beefed up across Jammu and Kashmir and a strict vigil is being maintained.
Pakistan Army soldiers used small arms to fire at an Indian position along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir, the officials said, adding that Indian soldiers retaliated and gave a befitting reply. However, no casualties were reported on either side. The United Nations has urged India and Pakistan “to exercise maximum restraint and to ensure that the situation and the developments we’ve seen do not deteriorate any further.” Pertinently, a special forces para commando of the Army was killed in an encounter with militants in the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday. The joint search operation was launched by the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the CRPF, following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area. “The operation began early Thursday morning in the dense forests of Basantgarh. During the mission, contact was established with a group of 3-4 suspected militants, believed to have recently infiltrated across the international border. A heavy exchange of gunfire ensued in which one para commando lost his life and two others sustained injuries,” said an official.
Security forces are conducting massive search operations in Udhampur, Kathua, Hiranagar and other areas. Reports said that a massive search operation was launched in Jammu Kathua after a woman claimed to have seen four suspicious men. Personnel of J&K Police’s Special Operations Group reached the spot and launched a combing operation. Searches were on when this report was filed. Meanwhile, searches were conducted in the Chann Rorian area near the Railway Yard in Hiranagar sector in Kathua district on Friday. “The operation was initiated following inputs about suspicious movement in the vicinity of the railway yard. Joint teams of police and security forces cordoned off the area and carried out thorough checks in nearby fields and residential pockets,” said an official, adding that the searches are underway to ensure there are no threats to vital installations.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police released the sketches of three militants involved in the attack and announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh for credible information leading to the “neutralization” of militants involved Pahalgam militant attack. A police poster circulated reads that informants’ identities will remain “strictly secret,” with authorities urging citizens to contact Anantnag’s Senior Superintendent of Police (9596777666) or Police Control Room (9596777669) via call or email ([email protected]). The case has been registered under FIR No. 25/2025 at Pahalgam Police Station
