Indian forces have turned Rajouri into a war zone as their aggressive cordon and search operation entered its 13th consecutive day on Thursday, with fresh gunshots and heavy explosions reverberating across the district in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir Media Service, multi-layered military sweeps continued in the Gambhir Mughlan and Dorimal-Manjakote areas under the codenamed Operation Sherawali.

The Indian Army, CRPF, Special Operations Group and so-called Village Defence Guards have launched a massive offensive, using war helicopters, drones, sniffer dogs and para commandos in the rugged terrain. Locals reported that powerful explosions and continuous gunfire shook the entire region, creating an atmosphere of extreme fear and panic among civilians. All entry and exit routes remain sealed, while residents are being subjected to repeated and humiliating door-to-door searches.

Despite 13 days of intense military action involving heavy weaponry and massive troop deployment, the Indian forces have failed to achieve any notable success so far. The prolonged and brutal operation has only succeeded in terrorising the local population and turning peaceful villages into virtual prisons.The people of Rajouri continue to bear the brunt of this aggressive military campaign as Indian forces continue to search the with sheer force and intimidation. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)