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New Delhi: As a sequel to Operation 'Sarp Vinash', Army's large scale anti-militancy operation in upper reaches of Poonch district, the security forces are poised to launch sustained operations in other inaccessible areas of Jammu and Kashmir where it is suspected that militants might have set up fortifications.

Under Operation codenamed Sarp Vinash II, Army, mostly units of the Rashtriya Rifles, will carry out intense anti militancy sweeps in Doda, Shopian, Kulgam, Lolab, and Kupwara areas as simultaneously the Romero force would continue its drive south of the Pir Panjal, highly placed Army officials said.

The thrust of the new operations would be the remote Wadhwan and Marwah areas of the Doda district, where it is suspected that militants have set up fortifications and even facilities to impart militant training to local recruits.

The Army Chief General N C Vij gave a detailed account of the anti militancy operations being undertaken to the members of Cabinet Committee on Security on May 27 including the Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.

The 90-minute presentation was also attended by the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani, Defence Minister George Fernandes. Also present were the Air Chief S Krishnaswamy, Naval Chief Madhvendera Singh and Intelligence Agency Chiefs.

The presence of the Chief of Air Staff is significant as Air power in the shape of helicopters might be used to destroy some of militant fortifications as was done during Operation Sarp Vinash in Surankot area.

PTI