Punjab Police Release Sketch of Suspected Terrorist Near Kathua-Pathankot Border

The Punjab Police have ramped up security measures after releasing a sketch of a suspected terrorist who was spotted near the Kathua-Pathankot border on Thursday. The sighting has raised alarm bells in the region, especially following earlier reports of two armed men seen in the same area earlier in the week.

The unidentified suspect, seen close to the border, managed to evade capture, prompting a swift and robust response from the police. Multiple teams have been formed to track down the suspect, and an alert has been issued to local residents, urging them to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The police have also provided three contact numbers to facilitate information sharing from the public.

A senior police official confirmed the sighting, stating, "The suspect was seen near the Pathankot-Kathua border on June 27th, and we believe he may have ties to a terrorist organization." This has heightened the urgency of the situation, with authorities working around the clock to prevent any potential threat.

The current heightened alert comes on the heels of a troubling incident earlier in the week. On Tuesday, a villager reported to the Pathankot police control room that two armed men had forced him to provide them with dinner at gunpoint. This alarming report triggered an extensive search operation involving the police, Border Security Forces (BSF), and the army, although the suspects remain at large.

The release of the sketch by the Punjab Police adds a new dimension to the ongoing security operations. Interestingly, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had previously released a sketch of a suspected terrorist seen in Kathua, leading to questions about whether the individual spotted on Thursday is the same person.

Pathankot Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Suhail Qasim Mir emphasized the readiness of the security forces, stating, "We are in a state of readiness to deal with any situation as vigil is being maintained." This statement underscores the heightened state of alert in the region, especially significant given the commencement of the Amarnath pilgrimage.

The start of the pilgrimage has prompted enhanced security measures to ensure the safety of pilgrims and volunteers. Meetings have been held between the police and other security agencies to review and bolster security arrangements. Additionally, personnel from the Rapid Action Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police have been deployed to provide extra security during this sensitive period.

The combination of the suspect's sighting, the earlier report of armed men, and the commencement of the Amarnath pilgrimage has created a perfect storm of security concerns. The authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to track down the suspect and ensure the safety of the region. The public's cooperation and vigilance are deemed crucial in these efforts, as the region braces for any potential threats.