Jammu: Indian security forces have arrested a youth during extensive search operations in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, as tension continues to pervade the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the detained individual, identified as Abdul Khalil, was apprehended in the Surankote area during a cordon and search operation by the Indian army and other security forces. Officials alleged that Khalil was involved in the regional freedom struggle, labeling him as an upper ground activist. They also claimed to have found a mobile phone with multiple SIM cards in his possession, suggesting his engagement in coordinated activities.

The ongoing operations involve multiple Indian forces units, including the Rashtriya Rifles and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), conducting extensive searches across various districts such as Rajouri, Kishtwar, and Doda, in addition to Poonch. These actions are reportedly based on intelligence concerning suspicious movements in the area.

Local residents have been instructed to remain vigilant and report any unusual activities, reflecting heightened security measures that have become common in the region. Such operations have frequently been criticized for resulting in human rights abuses, including arbitrary detentions and civilian harm.

The backdrop of these events is the fraught history of Kashmir under Indian control since 1947, with recent years seeing a sharp increase in militarization following the 2019 repeal of Article 370, which had provided special status to the region. This decision has led to intensified security operations and greater restrictions on the local population.