New Delhi, June 22, 2026 — The extensive counter-terrorism mission in the border district of Rajouri has officially hit a significant milestone. Code-named Operation Sherawali, the multi-agency combing operation entered its 31st consecutive day on Monday, June 22, 2026. Security forces have further intensified their search, cordon, and surveillance grids across the highly challenging forest stretches of the region to track down and neutralize holed-up armed infiltrators.
The Landscape and Scope of the Mission
Launched in the final week of May 2026, Operation Sherawali stands out as one of the longest ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the Jammu region in recent years. The mission is primarily focused deep within the dense forest belts of the Dorimal-Gambhir Mughlan sector, located inside the Manjakote area of Rajouri district.
The geography of the area presents a formidable challenge to the troops on the ground. The terrain is characterized by:
- Steep, unforgiving mountain slopes.
- Jagged rocky ridges and natural cave hideouts.
- Extremely thick vegetation that limits natural visibility.
To counter these environmental obstacles, the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Special Operations Group (SOG), and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have deployed a highly coordinated multi-layered dragnet. Joint teams are utilizing advanced technological assets, including high-resolution surveillance drones and thermal imaging cameras, alongside specialized canine units to map out suspicious movements beneath the heavy forest canopy.
Timeline of Significant Events
The month-long campaign has seen critical spikes in tactical activity, alongside moments of profound sacrifice by the security personnel navigating the harsh wilderness.
First Contact and Heavy Engagements
Late May 2026
The operation commenced following specific intelligence inputs regarding a group of heavily armed infiltrators. On May 28, a major tactical phase erupted as heavy firing and shelling were exchanged in the Dorimal forest area. Security forces rushed massive reinforcements to the site, creating an impenetrable cordon to prevent the targets from breaking through toward nearby residential zones.
Tragic Loss in Rugged Terrain
June 7, 2026
The uncompromising nature of the landscape claimed the life of an Indian Army soldier. While maneuvering through a slippery, rocky slope during active operational duties, the jawan lost his footing and suffered severe injuries from a fall. He was quickly evacuated to a medical facility but ultimately succumbed to his injuries, highlighting the extreme physical hazards faced by the troops.
Heightened Regional Alert and LoC Incidents
June 16, 2026
While Operation Sherawali maintained its pressure in Manjakote, regional tensions remained high. In the nearby Nowshera sector along the Line of Control (LoC), a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and three soldiers from the 4 Kumaon regiment sustained injuries due to an accidental landmine blast during a routine anti-infiltration patrol. The injured personnel were airlifted to the Army’s Command Hospital in Udhampur for specialized treatment.
31st Day Grid Reinforcement
June 22, 2026
The operation crossed the one-month mark. Security officials confirmed that fresh area domination patrols, vehicle checkpoints, and deep-woods combing have been reinforced to completely choke any potential escape routes for the remaining subversives.
Tactical Strategy and Current Ground Reality
As the operation enters its second month, the strategy has shifted toward a sustained war of attrition and precise area containment. Security officials indicate that the initial intelligence pointed to the presence of two to three highly trained terrorists hiding within the natural limestone formations and thick undergrowth. Because these groups rely on stealth and defensive positioning, forces are moving systematically rather than rushing the dense pockets, minimizing the risk of walking into ambushes.
Area domination patrols have set up static observation posts on the higher ridges overlooking the Gambhir Mughlan sector. Simultaneously, mobile check-posts have been erected on all connecting roads and mountain passes leading out of the Manjakote area. Every vehicle passing through the district highways is undergoing thorough inspections, and identification logs are being strictly maintained.
Community Impact and Public Cooperation
The prolonged nature of Operation Sherawali has naturally kept the local population on edge, yet the relationship between residents and the military remains resilient. Authorities have frequently interacted with village elders and local bodies in Rajouri, urging the public to maintain a high state of civil alertness.
Residents have been advised to avoid entering the deep forest zones of Dorimal until the area is officially declared clear. Local communities are actively cooperating with law enforcement, reporting any unfamiliar faces or unusual activities in the periphery of their villages. Security heads have emphasized that public cooperation is the foundational pillar required to achieve a definitive breakthrough and restore complete normalcy to the border belt.
The continuous presence of troops has also served as a reassurance to border villages, ensuring that regular socio-economic activities outside the active search zones face minimal disruption. The determination shown by the combined forces over the past 31 days underscores a broader national security directive to firmly secure the Pir Panjal region against cross-border infiltration and maintain institutional stability across Jammu and Kashmir.