Srinagar: Indian forces have intensified search operations in several districts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), with troops carrying out searches in forest areas of Budgam and joint operations in Samba, according to Kashmir Media Service.
In Budgam district, Indian troops have expanded their search operation into the forests of the Yousmarg and Pir Panjal belt. One youth has reportedly been martyred during the operation so far.
In Samba district, Indian forces conducted a joint search-cum-area-domination exercise in several areas. The operation began in Regal village and extended to Chillerian, Nadala and Ploora, where troops carried out checks and maintained a presence along designated routes.
A special joint team comprising Indian police and Border Security Force personnel was also deployed at a strategic location during the exercise.
Meanwhile, residents staged protests in parts of Kupwara and Rajouri districts over what they said were failures by the authorities to provide essential public services.
In Wadipora, Handwara, Kupwara, residents blocked the Handwara-Rajwar road to protest the reported failure to provide drinking water. Protesters raised slogans against the authorities.
A separate protest was held in Thannamandi, Rajouri, against inadequate healthcare facilities at the local hospital.
The developments came as All Parties Hurriyat Conference spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas issued a statement in Srinagar ahead of Pakistan Defence Day, paying tribute to those martyred during the September 1965 war.
Minhas said Pakistan's armed forces and people had made sacrifices in defence of the country and thwarted what he described as the enemy's designs. He also said Pakistan's defence was strong and secure and that the sacrifices of those martyred in the 1965 war would continue to be remembered.
The latest developments highlight continuing security operations and public protests over basic services in different parts of IIOJK.
