🗞️ Why in News: Operation Sheruwali — a large-scale multi-agency counter-terrorism operation — entered a critical phase in the Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla forest belt, Manjakote sector, Rajouri district, Jammu & Kashmir. The operation, launched since May 23, 2026 by the Indian Army, J&K Police (Special Operations Group), and CRPF, has been using drones, helicopters, sniffer dogs, and grenade launcher (MGL) attacks on suspected hideouts, with five terrorists reported encircled. It was widely covered by UPSC aggregators on June 1.
Operation Details
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Operation Sheruwali |
| Location | Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt, Manjakote sector, Rajouri district, J&K |
| Launched | May 23, 2026 |
| Agencies | Indian Army (primary), J&K Police (Special Operations Group / SOG), CRPF |
| Assets deployed | Helicopters, drones (UAV-ISR), sniffer dogs, MGL (Multiple Grenade Launchers) |
| Objective | Track, isolate, and eliminate militants; prevent infiltration; restore security in Pir Panjal |
The Rajouri-Poonch Security Challenge
The Rajouri-Poonch forest belt in the Pir Panjal range (J&K) has been an active terror corridor since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, with Pakistani-backed infiltration networks operating through dense forest cover.
- Pir Panjal range — a sub-Himalayan ridge separating the Kashmir Valley from the Jammu region; provides forest concealment for militants.
- Dorimal forest — dense, hard terrain; limited road access; makes cordon-and-search difficult.
- Operations here are distinct from the Kashmir Valley — the Jammu region faces a different infiltration pattern (overland, not valley-based).
Multi-Agency Counter-Terror Architecture
| Agency | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian Army (Rashtriya Rifles / RR units) | Primary operational force; cordon, search, engage |
| J&K Police — Special Operations Group (SOG) | Intelligence-led operations; local network familiarity |
| CRPF | Area domination, road opening, area denial |
| NSG | Deployed for counter-terrorism in urban scenarios; less prominent in jungle ops |
Technology Tools
- Surveillance drones (MALE-class / tactical) — real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) over forested areas.
- Helicopter gunships — fire support and rapid insertion.
- Sniffer dogs — detect explosive caches and track movement.
- MGL (Multiple Grenade Launcher) — area suppression in dense cover.
Constitutional and Governance Context
- J&K is a Union Territory (since October 31, 2019, under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019).
- Internal security falls on the Union List (Entry 2A); central agencies operate directly.
- AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) — applicable in J&K; provides legal immunity and special powers to security forces in “disturbed areas.”
- Operations in J&K fall under the Unified Command Structure (Chairperson: J&K LG) coordinating Army, Central Forces, and J&K Police.
UPSC Relevance
| Paper | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS3 | Internal security — insurgency, counter-terrorism, multi-agency coordination; AFSPA; drone use in COIN operations |
| GS2 | Governance — J&K as UT; Unified Command; CRPF; centre-state security cooperation |
| Mains | “Effective counter-terrorism requires integrating intelligence, law enforcement, and military operations under a unified command. Examine with examples.” |
| Prelims | AFSPA; Rashtriya Rifles; SOG (J&K Police); CRPF mandate; J&K as UT from Oct 31, 2019 |
Facts Corner
📌 Facts Corner — Knowledgepedia
Operation Sheruwali:
- Location: Dorimal-Gambhir Moghla belt, Rajouri, J&K
- Launched: May 23, 2026
- Agencies: Indian Army + J&K Police SOG + CRPF
- Assets: drones, helicopters, sniffer dogs, MGL
- 5 terrorists reported encircled
Rajouri-Poonch belt:
- Pir Panjal range — sub-Himalayan; dense forest; active infiltration corridor
- J&K is a Union Territory since October 31, 2019 (J&K Reorganisation Act 2019)
Counter-Terror Governance:
- AFSPA — applies in J&K; legal immunity for armed forces
- Unified Command (J&K LG chairs) coordinates all agencies
- Internal security on Union List (Entry 2A)
- Rashtriya Rifles — Army’s dedicated COIN/CT force in J&K
Sources: The Hindu, PIB, Indian Army
Source: Operation Sheruwali — Multi-Agency Counter-Terror Operation in Rajouri — Ujiyari.com | Free UPSC & State PCS Current Affairs
