Kupwara, Mar 23: Army has launched massive searches in the Kupwara forests adjoining line of control using special troops.
 Reliable sources told Greater Kashmir that the searches were going on for the past four days, in the dense forests of Harfuda, Magam, Satkuj and other areas to close to LoC.
 They said regular Army including Rashtriya Rifles battalions was on second line of the searches, while the searches were being conducted by specialized troopers, who have been brought specially for the operation.
 “After ground searches from morning to evening, the troopers are being assisted by helicopters in evening,” sources disclosed.
 They further revealed that the operation was being conducted in vulnerable areas (infiltration routes) of this district.
 “These areas are prone to infiltration and the militants who had bases in these areas go to receive parties coming from other sides,” they said, adding that they are trying to locate their hideouts in the area.
 A top police official of the district told Greater Kashmir, that they have not been informed about the operation.
 “We have received information about it through locals and we have lesser role as far as these areas are concerned from security viewpoint,” he added.
 When contacted, PRO Defence, Lt Col Veneet Sood said it was a routine search operation.  
GKNN adds from Srinagar: Police today started surprise checking of vehicles near Barzalla Bridge on the busy Airport Road.
 According to reports, people were brought down from vehicles and lined up for intensive frisking, causing lot of inconvenience to them.
 When contacted a senior police officer told Greater Kashmir that they have reports of militants trying to sneak into the city to create trouble. “That is why precautionary measures are being put in place to avoid any mishap,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Mar 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Wed, 24 Mar 2010 00:00:00 IST