Rajouri encounter enters second day: Security forces corner terrorists in Ghambir Mughlan forest in J&K

A massive anti-terror operation intensified in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Sunday after security forces established direct contact with heavily armed terrorists hiding deep inside the dense Ghambir Mughlan forest area in the Pir Panjal belt. The encounter marks a significant breakthrough in an intelligence-led crackdown that entered its second consecutive day amid heightened security concerns in the region.

The joint cordon-and-search operation (CASO), involving the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was launched following specific intelligence inputs about suspected militant movement through the rugged forest terrain. Officials said the operation gained momentum after search teams tracked the suspects to a heavily forested stretch where contact was established on Sunday morning.

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#WATCH | Rajouri, J&K: Anti-terror operations are underway in the Ghambir Mughlan area after an intel on suspected terrorists.

(Visuals deferred by unspecified time; no live operational details disclosed) https://t.co/tUJhKAKsWi pic.twitter.com/9wVrPy2hoa

— ANI (@ANI) May 24, 2026

Security grid tightened after contact established

Confirming the development, the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps said troops established contact with the terrorists yesterday at around 11:30 am during the coordinated operation.

Security officials believe that two to three terrorists may be trapped within the forest zone. Reinforcements were immediately rushed to the area as forces tightened the security cordon to prevent any possible escape through the mountainous routes and thick vegetation cover.

#WATCH | Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir: Search operations underway after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in the general area of Gambhir Muglan, Rajouri

(Visuals deferred by unspecified time; no live operational details disclosed) pic.twitter.com/r3MAuaXeWP

— ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2026

Dense forests and rugged terrain complicate operation

The Ghambir Mughlan forest area, located in the Pir Panjal belt of Rajouri district, is considered one of the more difficult terrains for anti-terror operations due to its steep hills, dense forests, and limited accessibility.

Security personnel have intensified surveillance across adjoining areas, setting up checkpoints and increasing monitoring of vehicular as well as pedestrian movement. The operation continued through the day with forces carrying out systematic searches across multiple forest pockets.

Local residents said security deployment in the region had increased significantly since Saturday after intelligence agencies flagged suspicious movement in the area.

“Security forces have maintained a strong presence in the Ghambir Mughlan forest area since yesterday after inputs about suspected terrorists,” said Aqib Khan, a local resident. “The entire region has been placed under a tight cordon and search operations are continuing continuously. Local residents are cooperating with the security agencies and hoping the situation returns to normal soon.”

Another resident, Mohd Jawed, highlighted the operational difficulties posed by the terrain.

“The Ghambir Mughlan forest area has rugged mountainous terrain and dense forest cover, making movement and search operations challenging,” he said.

Mohd Zubair said residents of nearby villages remained on alert as the operation unfolded.

“Locals learned that the operation was launched following intelligence inputs about suspected militant movement in the area. Residents of nearby villages are keeping a close watch on the situation and hoping for normalcy and peace in the region,” he added.

At the time of reporting, the joint operation was still underway, with security forces continuing efforts to isolate and neutralise the terrorists believed to be hiding inside the forest belt. Officials have not yet confirmed any casualties or arrests.