A massive search operation was launched on Tuesday morning by government forces in several villages of Shopian district, however after searching half a dozen villages, forces had to return empty handed.

According to police officials on a specific input about the presence of militants in the area a search operation was launched in half a dozen villages, including orchards in the villages.

The operation was carried out jointly by contingents of Army’s 44 RR, personnel of Special operations Group of J&K police and Central Reserve Police Force, reports said.

“All the entry and exit points leading to the area were completely sealed and movement of the people was also restricted,” a senior police officer, who was part of the exercise, said.

He said that the search operation was launched during early morning hours to nab the militants, who were seen in videos scarifying animals as, according the officials, there were inputs that these videos were shot in the same area.

CASO ended peacefully and no arrests were reported as well, he added.

Eye witnesses said that forces conducted door to door search operation which lasted for almost five hours.

A resident of Urpora village on condition of anonymity said that Urpora and its adjacent villages remained cordoned off for 24 hours given the forces foothold in the area.

On 28 August, forces launched same kind of operation in several villages of Shopian district that also ended peacefully.

The villages that were cordoned included Matribugh, Ronipora, Zoipora, Dangam, Wangam, Shahpora, Khassipora, Chakoora and Mangacheck.

On Aug 19, paramilitary and SOG men laid siege around ten villages that included Ratnipora, Dangam, Tekipora, Ranipora, Pratabpora, Wangam, Zaipora, Mantribug and Chakoora.  The operation was also later called off.

On August 3, Army Major and two soldiers were killed at Zainpora area of Shopian district after militants opened fire.

On May 4 this year, a first major CASO, which reminded people of 90’s, was launched in about 17 villages of the district to flush out militants, but nothing was spotted during the operation.

On the same day, when forces were returning back to the camp, militants ambushed their vehicle near Killora village of the district which resulted in killing of a civilian driver.

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