The security forces on Wednesday intensified search operations in forested areas in frontier district Kupwara where Colonel Santosh Mahadik of a Rashtriya Rifles battalion was killed in a fierce gun-battle with a group of militants on Tuesday.
Sources said helicopters were pressed in to track down three to four militants, suspected to be cadre of lashkar-e-Tayyeba (leT), who have infiltrated into Kashmir Valley around three weeks ago. The security forces found body of a militant in the area last week who is suspected to have died due to cold weather or after slipping into a deep gorge. Sources said the cordon and search operation continued for the sixth day as reinforcements, including paratroopers and ground forces were moved into the area.
They said the area of cordon was extended to adjoining areas of Kashta, Khangund, Shundi, Boinard, Hyhama, Trumnard, Kakadi, Batpora and Kalaroos villages. The group of militants was intercepted at least thrice in the past but they escaped with the advantage of thick forest and treacherous terrain. Five force personnel, including four Army jawans and a cop of Special Operations Group of J&K Police have been injured till now in the anti-militancy operation launched on Friday last.