M A I N   N E W S

Stage set for commando action in Bhatti Dhar
Shariq Majeed
Tribune News Service

Rajouri, January 6
With the security forces locked up in a gun battle with militants from the last seven days, Bhatti Dhar is ready to witness commando action.

Army sources said the security forces were also adopting wait and watch policy in view of the hostile terrain and adverse weather condition in the area. The fact that encounter had prolonged, the authorities were contemplating a Commando action in Bain forest. Sources said the Army could go for final assault even now, but it might suffer huge causalities in that case and wanted to avoid such scenario.

Another reason for the Army to adopt such a tactic is to get the arms and ammunition, food and water of the militants (who have quite a huge store of the same as was suggested after the Army busted a hideout and recovered arms and ammunition and food items from it), exhausted before the final assault, they added.

Even Chief of the Indian Army General Deepak Kapoor has said the operation is taking time as the Army wanted to minimise its own casualties.

“The operation is very much on. We are trying to ensure that we do not suffer any casualty. We are hopeful that we will be able to get most of the terrorists,” Kapoor said at a function in Delhi.

The Army claims to have gunned down four militants whereas it had lost two of its men, besides a Special Police Officer (SPO) has also lost his life, in one of the longest gun battle between the security forces and militants.

Army sources had told The Tribune that it might take the security forces another few days to sanitise the area.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Defence spokesperson said the Army operation presently was in progress in Bhatti Dhar area with the troops in full control of the situation.

“There are no fortified structures or bunker in the area, however, the topography and terrain has possibly provided cover and hideouts for the militants. The Army had laid a proper cordon in the area and is taking adequate measures to prevent any escape of terrorists. Owing to the heavy winter fog, thick vegetation and difficult terrain conditions, the operation is being undertaken with due care and precautions. The operation is in progress and will be continued till the terrorists are completely eliminated,” the Defence spokesperson said.