J&K: Security heightened on Jammu-Akhnoor highway following sighting of unidentified person

Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 12 (ANI): Security measures have been increased, and vehicles are being inspected on the Jammu-Akhnoor highway as a search operation is being carried out in Akhnoor after locals reported sighting an unidentified person in the area.

Jammu Akhnoor Highway has been put on high alert, with tight security checks at Nakas.

This comes after five soldiers lost their lives and eight sustained injuries when a group of heavily armed terrorists ambushed a patrolling party of the Army in the Badnota area of Kathua on July 8.

The attack on the Machedi-KindliMalhar road in a remote area, approximately 150 km from Kathua town, is believed to be the latest in a series of terrorist incidents in the region, which have been attributed to attempts by Pakistan to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir. The region, the site of the ambush is part of the old infiltration route along the international border, which the attackers appear to have reactivated, officials had said.

The recent terror attacks occurred during the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which started on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, lasting 52 days. The devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this challenging journey to the holy cave located in the Kashmir Himalayas.