Rajouri, May 28 -- Heavy firing and shelling erupted in Rajouri's Dorimal forest area on Thursday as Operation Sheruwali reached a critical stage, with security forces tightening the cordon to neutralise suspected militants hiding in the dense terrain.

According to officials, a massive deployment of security forces, along with additional reinforcements and logistical support, has been rushed to the encounter site to ensure a "strong and impenetrable cordon" and to prevent any attempt by militants to escape through the thick forest cover.

The operation is being carried out on a large scale, with officials stating that "every possible effort" is being made to neutralise the hiding militants. The entire area remains under strict security s...