Security forces launch J&K search operations in Rajouri and Udhampur

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir have launched search operations across Rajouri and Udhampur districts following reports of suspected terrorist movement, including an incident where a local villager was briefly abducted and forced to act as a forest guide.

The searches, which began on Sunday, were triggered by a late-night incident in Rajouri's Sunderbani sector. Officials said three suspected terrorists abducted a resident, Anil Sudan, near his home in Upper Lardia late on Saturday night.

The armed men held Sudan for several hours, using him to guide them through the unfamiliar terrain. They eventually released him unharmed at around 3:15 am on Sunday morning, once they had successfully reached the Dua Khad forest.

Upon his release, Sudan alerted the authorities, prompting an immediate response from local police and the Indian Army. Joint teams rushed to the area to begin a combing operation through the thick forest cover. However, officials confirmed that security forces have not yet established contact with the suspects.

As the hunt in Sunderbani continues, security forces have also targeted other locations. In another part of Rajouri, the Mandugala Dhok forest was cordoned off after local residents reported seeing two individuals wearing black clothes, carrying backpacks, and moving through the area with weapons.

Further east, in Udhampur district, a separate search operation is underway in Chigli Keya village. Officials have not detailed whether the Udhampur search is directly connected to the sightings in Rajouri, but both districts have seen an increased security presence over the weekend.

The region remains on high alert following a series of security incidents. On September 17, an encounter between security forces and suspected militants in the Majalta area of Udhampur left two Pakistani terrorists dead. A third suspect was reportedly injured during the gunfight but managed to escape into the surrounding hills.

The latest operations also coincide with a formal diplomatic protest by New Delhi over cross-border infiltration. The Ministry of External Affairs recently summoned the Chargé d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission to register a strong protest.

Indian officials accused Pakistan of continuing to facilitate illegal crossings along the border. The ministry urged Islamabad to investigate the infiltration attempts and drug-smuggling activities, raising concerns over the alleged involvement of Pakistani border forces. New Delhi has called on Islamabad to respect the sanctity of the International Border and ensure its forces exercise strict control to prevent unauthorised movements into Indian territory.