Rajouri Villager Abducted by Suspected Terrorists, Released After Being Used as a Guide; Massive Hunt On

A villager in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district was released in the early hours of Sunday after being abducted by three suspected terrorists and made to guide them through the area. Security forces have since launched large-scale search operations in the forests of Rajouri and Udhampur.

Three suspected terrorists reportedly abducted a villager, Anil Sudan, near his house at Upper Lardia in the Sunderbani sector late Saturday night, officials said. Sudan was released around 3.15 am, after the trio used him as a guide to reach the Dua Khad forest.

Police and the Army were informed and rushed to the area. They launched a combing operation, and officials said no contact had been established with the suspects.

Other sightings

Security forces also cordoned off the Mandugala Dhok forest in Rajouri after locals reported two persons in black dress, carrying backpacks and weapons. The Dainik Jagran report noted that their presence has not been independently established as that of terrorists. Another search operation is under way at Chigli Keya village in Udhampur.

The Daily Pioneer reported that additional troops were rushed to the area to plug gaps and prevent the suspects from escaping through the forest. The Tribune said senior Army and police officers are reviewing operational preparedness, intelligence-sharing and security arrangements in sensitive areas, including the Line of Control.

Recent security backdrop

The searches come at a tense time. The Daily Pioneer linked them to the killing of Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Mohammad Asif, alias Hashim Moosa, in the Central Kashmir district of Budgam. The Statesman described him as a former Pakistan Army commando-turned-LeT terrorist. Separately, two Pakistani terrorists were killed in an encounter in the Majalta area of Udhampur on September 17, while a third was reportedly injured but escaped. Officials have not said whether the Rajouri group is linked to that third terrorist.

What is not yet known

Officials have not identified the three suspects or said which group they belong to. They have also not said whether Sudan was harmed, or whether the two men in Mandugala Dhok are connected to the abduction. Searches were continuing at the latest update, and the reports are based on statements by officials, so details may change.