Search operation continues in Gulmarg’s Botapathri for second day; J&K LG says forces will take ‘revenge’

Indian security forces continued a massive cordon and search operation in the Botapathri area in Gulmarg near the Line of Control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, on Saturday (Oct 26).  

Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir police and paramilitary forces continue to conduct a joint operation in the area. Security forces have brought in helicopters and drones for the aerial surveillance of the dense forest area.

Jammu and Kashmir police officials have said that two to three terrorists are involved in the Botapathri attack in which two Indian Army soldiers and two local porters were killed. The People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), an offshoot of terrorist outfit, Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), has taken responsibility for the attack.

“Jammu and Kashmir Police, Indian Army, Paramilitary forces are involved in the massive search operation in the area. We have also launched several input-based search operations in Pattan and Kreeri areas of Baramulla district. As far as evidence is concerned, 3-4 terrorists are suspected to be involved in the Botapathri terror attack,” said Zaid Mohammad, SSP Baramulla.

Sources in the security forces have revealed that in the first half of August, a group of five to seven Pakistani terrorists, well-equipped with sophisticated weapons and well-trained infiltrated into the Gulmarg sector and are active in the same area. There is a possibility that the attack that happened in the Botapathri area was carried out by the same terrorists.

Watch | Jammu And Kashmir News: Army Vehicle Attacked Near Gulmarg’s Botapathri

The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha said that the security forces will take revenge for every drop of blood and forces have devised a new strategy to deal with emerging threats. 

“Unfortunately, we have got a neighbour who always tries to disrupt peace here despite his bad position. But the security forces have devised a new strategy to deal with the emerging situation in Kashmir. We will avenge every drop of innocent blood shed in Kashmir,” said the LG, condemning the recent attacks on Gagangeer and Botapathri. 

He added, “The central forces, including the police, the army and the BSF, have to make collective efforts to root out terrorism from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir.”

After the recent attacks in Gagangeer and Botapathri, the security forces have been forced to review the situation across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.