Indian troops continue massive Rajouri operation for 36th straight day
Jammu: The massive cordon and search operation (CASO) launched by Indian forces in Rajouri district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) entered its 36th consecutive day today, with the occupation troops further intensifying the operation.
According to Kashmir Media Service, thousands of Indian army personnel, para commandos and members of the notorious Village Defence Guards (VDGs) have been conducting the operation in the dense forests of Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal in the Manjakote sector since May 23. Helicopters, drones and sniffer dogs are also being deployed. The VDGs, a militia backed by the Indian army, was created primarily to intimidate and harass Muslims in the Jammu region.
Indian authorities said the large-scale operation, codenamed “Operation Sheruwali,” was launched following intelligence inputs about the presence of several militants in the vast forest area. However, they admitted that the difficult terrain, dense forests, deep gorges and steep mountains have made the operation increasingly challenging.
Indian forces are conducting extensive searches of forests, hilly tracks, natural caves and streams, while surveillance has been further intensified at sensitive locations. The occupation troops have also set up checkpoints on key entry and exit routes, subjecting vehicles and passengers to thorough searches.
The prolonged operation has turned the area into a virtual military zone, causing severe hardship and disruption to daily lives of local residents.
