Crackdown continues in Valley

Security forces on massive hunt for LeT terrorists after April 22 Pahalgam terror attack

- FAYAZ WANI @ Srinagar

TWO weeks after the Pahalgam terror attack that took 26 lives, search operations are still on to track the Lashkar-e-Toiba terrorists in the dense forests surrounding the Baisaran meadow. Besides, a massive crackdown across the Valley is also on, but success is elusive. The Baisaran meadow is currently off-limits to civilians, and the road leading to it has been closed.

Police, army and paramilitary forces launched a combing and search operation in the area within hours of the attack. The operation has been extended beyond a 12-km radius. The army's elite para commandos assist the security personnel in the search. The army is using drones, helicopters and other electronic gadgets for aerial surveillance. Highly trained sniffer dogs are also part of the operation.

"Security forces are using the latest surveillance gadgets to track the terrorists' movements. We suspect that they are still hiding in the forest area, and it seems they have adequate supplies and are prepared for the long haul," sources said.