Army-SOG Hunt Militants in J&K’s Poonch Forests
Indian Army and J&K SOG intensify a high-risk operation in Poonch forests to flush out hidden militants amid rising tensions.
Militants Tracked in Poonch Forests as Army, SOG Tighten Noose
By [Your Name] | April 24, 2025
The quiet canopy of Lasana’s dense woods in Jammu and Kashmir has become the backdrop of a tense and meticulously coordinated operation by the Indian Army and the state’s Special Operations Group (SOG). As dawn breaks each day over the rugged terrain of Poonch district, boots hit the forest floor with renewed urgency, driven by reports of armed militants taking refuge among the thickets.
Security Forces Close in on Suspected Hideouts
It began on April 14 with a sudden burst of gunfire near the National Highway, leaving a Romeo Force soldier wounded. What followed was a swift military response—ten days of relentless combing through thick foliage, with soldiers navigating not just the physical landscape but the volatile possibilities of ambushes and hidden explosives.
While video released by ANI offers a glimpse of the forest sweep, it is deliberately time-lagged to shield ongoing tactics. “This is more than a search,” one security official explained. “It’s a dismantling of a network hiding in plain sight.”
Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway on High Alert
Miles away from the combat zone, the pulse of anxiety is equally strong on the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway. Checkpoints have mushroomed across key junctions, where officers inspect every license and scan trucks for anything suspicious.
“Loaded vehicles are being diverted to ease congestion and prevent potential threats,” shared Ahmed Din from the Rajouri Traffic Police. “Our priority is uninterrupted civilian movement—but not at the cost of vigilance.”
Uri: A Nighttime Operation Foils Infiltration Plot
Meanwhile, 200 miles north in Uri, another flashpoint came into play. Acting on intelligence intercepts, the Indian Army intercepted a group of terrorists at a launchpad near the Uri nallah during the early hours of April 23.
Brigadier Mayank Shukla, leading the 161 Brigade, confirmed that surveillance assets had been tracking militant movement for days. “Their intent was infiltration, their timing strategic. Our response had to be swifter,” he said.
This development underscores what military experts describe as a broader shift in terror strategy—one that combines rural infiltration with sporadic urban violence.
Aftermath of the Pahalgam Massacre
Just as troops moved in across forest borders, a chilling reminder of the stakes arrived from Pahalgam. Twenty-six lives—mostly tourists—were lost in a brutal assault at Baisaran meadow. The massacre was one of the worst since the 2019 Pulwama bombing and has reignited public fear and governmental resolve.
Security analysts point to a possible correlation: increased militant desperation following the abrogation of Article 370. “We’re seeing tactical adaptations—from soft targets to coordinated cross-border breaches,” noted Colonel (Retd.) Aman Gill, a counterinsurgency expert based in New Delhi.
Intelligence and Terrain: A Battle on Two Fronts
The ongoing effort in Poonch is not just a battle of bullets—it’s a chess game involving terrain, surveillance, and split-second decisions. The Romeo Force and SOG units are operating in sync with aerial reconnaissance and ground intelligence, an approach that’s helping to narrow the search grid.
“This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan operation,” emphasized a senior defense source. “We’re recalibrating our long-term approach to counterinsurgency—less reactionary, more anticipatory.”
A Region Caught Between Fear and Hope
Amid the crackle of walkie-talkies and the low hum of drones above the treetops, the people of Poonch remain hopeful. For many, these operations offer reassurance—proof that the state hasn’t abandoned its commitment to security. But it also reignites memories of past conflicts, displacement, and the long shadow of insurgency.
The central government’s renewed focus on preemptive action—coupled with tighter local coordination—may mark a turning point, but experts caution against premature optimism.
Final Thoughts
The current operations in Poonch and Uri reveal a more agile, intelligence-led strategy unfolding in Kashmir. As militants adapt, so do the forces deployed to stop them. Yet, the ultimate challenge isn’t just defeating militants—it’s restoring confidence in a future where forests no longer hide fear, but echo peace.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports and official briefings as of April 24, 2025. Situational updates may evolve. The views expressed are those of the sources cited and do not necessarily represent the editorial stance of this publication.
source : Live Mint