Indian forces have launched a cordon-and-search operation in Kathua district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, personnel of India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and police questioned several villagers during the operation in Khanak and adjoining areas of the district.

Indian officials claimed the operation was launched following an intelligence input about the presence of “anti-India elements” in the area, which is surrounded by dense vegetation. India uses this term for the entire Kashmiri population, which seeks settlement of the Kashmir dispute through implementation of UN Security Council resolutions.

The troops thoroughly searched pathways, fields and surrounding locations in what the officials described as efforts to “rule out any suspicious activity.” Meanwhile, Indian forces, including the Army, Rashtriya Rifles, Central Reserve Police Force and Special Operations Group, have continued launching house raids, frisking drives and harassment operations across the territory under the cover of draconian laws since 1989. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)