Sunderbani (Rajouri), Oct 6: An atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has engulfed villages in and around Ladiyan in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district as security forces continue an extensive search operation following an alleged attempt by suspected terrorists to abduct a local youth.
The incident, which occurred late Saturday night, has left residents shaken, with many avoiding venturing out after dusk and preferring to remain indoors amid concerns that the suspected terrorists may still be hiding in the area.
Security forces, including the Army, police and paramilitary personnel, have intensified searches across the forested and hilly terrain of Sunderbani and adjoining areas. Checkpoints have been established on key roads, vehicles are being searched and patrols have been increased in vulnerable locations. However, despite the massive operation, there has been no trace so far of the three suspected terrorists believed to be involved in the abduction attempt.
Residents say the uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of the suspects has heightened anxiety across the region.“Ever since we came to know about the incident, people have been worried about what might happen next. The biggest concern is that the three terrorists have not been found yet. There is so much fear that as evening approaches, families shut their doors and remain inside their homes,” a local resident told The Daily Guardian.
The fear is not limited to villages closest to the incident site. Residents of nearby hamlets say their daily lives have been disrupted as the ongoing operation and security concerns have restricted movement in the area.
A woman from a neighbouring village said villagers, especially women, have been unable to visit nearby forests to collect firewood or fodder for their livestock.
“We usually go to the forests to collect wood and fodder for our cattle, but for the last three days we have not been able to do so. The Army and police are moving across the area, and nobody knows where the terrorists are hiding. People are scared to venture into the forests,” she said.
The attempted abduction has revived memories of past terrorist incidents in the region and raised concerns among residents about the presence of militants in the densely forested belt connecting Rajouri and Jammu districts.
Officials said the search operation remains underway, with security forces combing forests, nullahs and upper reaches to track down the suspects. Additional surveillance measures have also been put in place to prevent any movement of the terrorists from the area.
While security agencies have assured residents that all efforts are being made to neutralise the threat, fear continues to cast a shadow over the otherwise quiet villages of Sunderbani, where residents are hoping for an early end to the operation and a return to normalcy.
