By Dharmesh Prajapati

A fresh encounter broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Saturday after security forces launched a major counter-terror operation deep inside the forested terrain of the region following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of Pakistani terrorists.

The gunfight began in the Dorimal forest area of Rajouri after joint teams of the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the CRPF moved in to establish a cordon around suspected terrorist hideouts. Officials said the operation intensified after the hiding terrorists opened fire on the advancing troops, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire in the dense mountainous area.

In a statement, the 16 Corps of the Indian Army said contact with terrorists was established at around 11:30 am in the Gambhir Muglan area during an intelligence-based joint operation. The Army said troops responded swiftly with calibrated action after coming under fire and that the area had been effectively sealed off.

Officials involved in the operation said at least two to three Pakistani terrorists are believed to be trapped inside the cordoned zone. Reinforcements have been rushed to the area to block possible escape routes as the encounter continued late into the day.

The Rajouri-Poonch belt has witnessed a sharp rise in anti-terror operations in recent months, with security agencies identifying the region as a key infiltration corridor for Pakistan-backed terrorists attempting to revive militant activity in Jammu region.

Security forces have intensified combing operations across the dense forest areas and high-altitude stretches to prevent infiltration and dismantle terrorist networks operating near the border districts.