Chamba district is placed on high alert as border surveillance is intensified along Jammu and Kashmir boundary

CHAMBA : With an ongoing anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Kishtwar district, the adjoining Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh (HP) is placed on high alert, as the security agencies intensified border surveillance along Chamba’s boundary with J&K to prevent any attempted infiltration by terrorists into HP.In the wake of an encounter and a subsequent search operation in the neighbouring Kishtwar district of J&K, police intensified security along Chamba’s border areas with Kishtwar, including Sansari Nullah, Sewa Bridge near Kheri, all located close to the J&K boundary. Forces were placed on high alert, Superintendent of Police Vijay Saklani said.With a total boundary of 216 kilometres, Chamba shares 208 kilometres with J&K, making it one of HP’s most sensitive border districts; only 8 kilometres touch Punjab.Notably, security forces launched operations in the Chhatru area of J&K'S Kishtwar district to track down suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists who ambushed a search party on Sunday, killing 1 soldier and injuring 8 others. During the operation, a bunker stocked with supplies sufficient to last for months was found.“This points to the militants’ long-term operational planning and the persistent risk of their infiltration into HP’s Chamba district in case of pressure from security forces in Kishtwar,” said sources.

Saklani said that alerts were issued to all police outposts and police stations located along the J&K border, border check posts, hill regions and non-attendant areas, including footpaths and mountain tracks, to thwart any attempt by terrorists to infiltrate Chamba district. He said security was intensified in vulnerable and remote pockets, with special emphasis on traditional infiltration routes often used to evade regular surveillance.Similarly, Saklani said that a high alert was sounded at Tannu Hatti, HP’s border point with Punjab. Security personnel were directed to conduct strict vehicle checks, maintain heightened vigilance, and closely monitor the movement of suspicious elements to prevent any spillover of militant activity into the state.