Rajouri, Jun 22: Security forces have stepped up search and surveillance operations in the forested belts of Rajouri district as the prolonged counter-terror campaign, Operation Sherawali, entered its 31st day on Monday.
The large scale joint operation is underway in the rugged Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan area of the Manjakote sector, where Army personnel, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and paramilitary forces are conducting coordinated combing efforts to trace and neutralise suspected armed infiltrators believed to be hiding in the difficult mountainous terrain.
Launched in late May, the operation has evolved into an extensive multi-agency mission involving sustained area domination, intelligence based searches, and continuous monitoring of forest routes and natural hideouts commonly used by infiltrating groups.
Officials said security forces remain on high alert as search operations continue deep inside dense forest zones. Troops are carefully scanning vulnerable stretches and maintaining surveillance to detect any suspicious movement while ensuring the safety of nearby civilian habitations.
According to field-level inputs, the operation is progressing in a systematic manner, with forces maintaining pressure across multiple search grids. Additional checkpoints have been established at strategic locations, while mobile patrol units are regularly deployed to strengthen perimeter security.
Authorities stated that the objective of the ongoing operation remains unchanged: to eliminate any remaining threats in the region and restore complete security in the border district of Rajouri, which has witnessed heightened vigilance due to its sensitive terrain and proximity to infiltration routes.
Security personnel continue to face challenging conditions due to the dense forest cover and uneven mountainous landscape, which require slow, methodical movement and close coordination between different units involved in the mission.
Officials emphasized that forces are fully committed to maintaining peace and stability in the region. “Search and surveillance operations are being carried out with full coordination among agencies. Our focus is on ensuring that no suspicious activity goes undetected,” an official said.
The prolonged duration of Operation Sherawali reflects the complexity of the terrain and the strategic importance of clearing the area of any remaining hostile presence. Security planners believe sustained pressure and continuous monitoring are essential to achieving long-term stability in the region.
Local residents have been advised to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any unusual activity. Authorities have also assured that adequate measures are in place to minimize inconvenience to civilians during the ongoing operation.
As Operation Sherawali enters its second month, security forces continue to maintain a strong presence across Rajouri’s forest belt, reinforcing checkpoints, expanding search grids, and sustaining high-level surveillance in their effort to secure the region.