What Led Joint Forces to Launch an Anti-Terrorist Operation in J&K's Kathua?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Joint forces launched an operation in Kathua after the sighting of terrorists.
- Safety of civilians is a top priority during the operations.
- Intelligence suggests a link between drug trafficking and terrorist financing.
- New strategies aim to dismantle the entire ecosystem supporting terrorism.
- Collaboration between different security agencies is crucial for success.
Jammu, Sep 22 (NationPress) On Monday, joint forces initiated an anti-terrorism operation in the Kathua district of J&K following the sighting of two suspected terrorists in a nearby village, according to official reports.
Officials confirmed that the operation began in the Malhar region of Kathua after the suspected terrorists were seen in Dragal village.
"The Army, J&K Police, and CRPF are executing a CASO (Cordon & Search Operation) to locate the suspected terrorists. This operation was launched after receiving intelligence about the movement of two armed individuals," an official stated.
The joint forces are thoroughly searching the forested areas in Malhar, utilizing sniffer dogs and various surveillance tools, including drones.
Officials indicated that searches are ongoing in several nearby villages surrounding Dragal village, with all exit routes successfully sealed.
"Residents have been instructed to remain indoors and to report any unusual activity to the joint forces, as ensuring civilian safety is the highest priority for the security personnel," an official remarked.
Joint forces are intensifying operations against terrorists, their overground workers (OGWs), and sympathizers throughout the Union Territory.
Security forces are also focusing on drug smugglers and traffickers, as intelligence agencies believe that funds generated from hawala networks and drug trafficking ultimately support terrorism in J&K.
The joint forces have revised their strategy to dismantle the entire terror ecosystem, moving beyond just the elimination of armed terrorists.
While the army secures the 740-km-long Line of Control (LoC) in J&K, the Border Security Force (BSF) monitors the 240-km-long International Border (IB), with police and paramilitary forces addressing terrorism in the interior regions.
The LoC stretches across the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora in the Valley, and Poonch, Rajouri, and parts of Jammu district in the Jammu division.
The IB is located in the Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts of the Jammu division.