Amid search for terrorists, Jammu and Kashmir police warn against rumours

JAMMU: Security forces have been conducting search operations in various areas of J&K’s Jammu division following reports of suspicious movements of armed men. Some of these operations have resulted in wild goose chases, prompting police to reiterate their advice for the public to stay vigilant but not to succumb to rumours and fear-mongering.

Panic has gripped locals following four terrorist attacks on June 9, 11, and 12 in the three frontier districts of Reasi, Kathua, and Doda. These attacks resulted in the deaths of seven pilgrims, their bus driver and conductor, and a CRPF constable. In a counteroffensive, two terrorists were killed.

“Searches were underway in Kangar-Jarri-Jagti axis of Akhnoor and Nagrota area after suspicious sightings,” a police spokesperson said Sunday. Later, police clarified that the spotted men and vehicles belong to security forces.

Jammu police received information about two suspicious vehicles carrying uniformed men along with civilians, spotted on Ring Road and heading towards Udhampur. Upon investigation, both vehicles were found to be transporting Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel and their luggage from Samba to Udhampur.

Similarly, information about explosives put Poonch police on alert Saturday. However, police clarified by evening that no IED or any other explosive material had been found in the district. They said a pack containing cold drinks, Diwali crackers, and eatables was discovered during a routine security check. Police urged local reporters and social media users to avoid spreading unverified information that could cause panic, warning that irresponsible acts could draw legal action.

A search was carried out Saturday in Sumb area of Samba district after a local woman reported seeing two suspects in Nanetar village. The suspects allegedly asked her for food and water. Police teams led by SSP Vinay Kumar and other senior officers inspected the forest area that connects to Seda Sohal village in Doda, where the suspects were thought to have come from. On June 11 and 12, two terrorists were killed near Seda Sohal in a counteroffensive after they attacked the village.

Police also assured the public that areas around Vaishno Devi temple in Katra are safe. There was an alert about suspicious movements in a village near the shrine. Searches by police, Army, and paramilitary teams confirmed no threats, an official said.