J&K: Search operations in three south Kashmir districts

Search operations by security forces in Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts were carried out on Monday after inputs about the presence of militants.

Srinagar:Security forces launched search operations in three south Kashmir districts on Monday after receiving separate tip-offs about the presence of militants in specific areas of the districts. The first search operation was launched in Shopian district. According to a police official, after receiving information about the presence of militants in the Wangam area of Shopian district, the forces have cordoned off and started a search operation in the area.

According to sources, Army's 34 Rashtriya Rifles, CRPF's 178 Battalion and Jammu and Kashmir Police jointly launched a house-to-house search operation. Meanwhile, another search operation was carried out by the army in the Karimabad area of the neighbouring ​​Pulwama district. According to the initial inputs, the army received a tip-off that a militant was hiding in the Karimabad area. Soon after, police and the army's 55 Rashtriya Rifles and CRPF surrounded the area and started a home-to-home search operation.

A third search operation was launched in Batapura area of Kulgam district. Security forces received information that some militants were hiding in the area, after which the entire area was cordoned off and all roads were blocked with barbed wire. Meanwhile, 35 school children in the vicinity were sent to their homes by the security forces.

It was also reported from the local sources that the militants fired shots at the security forces in the initial stage though the same has been officially confirmed. The search operation was going on till this report was filed.