Tuesday, May 9 2006 13:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu: Security forces have stepped up operations in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir in the aftermath of the May one massacre of 32 Hindus in Basantgarh and Kulhand areas of the state, a defence spokesman said here.

Army columns in Bhaderwah and Doda towns are conducting search and destroy operations and laying ambushes in sensitive areas, the spokesman said today.

"Security at the massacre site at Kulhand has been enhanced with the deployment of state police personnel, who have recently been imparted counter-terror training at army training camps," he said.

"Troops have been reorganised and pressed into service for maintaining security in remote areas in the district," he said.

The spokesman said security forces personnel are in constant touch with Village Defence Committee (VDC) members and elders to coordinate information on terrorist activity.

" Additional VDCs coming up in various areas of the hilly district would be provided training by the army," he said.

"A special police task force, recently deployed in Bhaderwah assembly constitutency for bypolls, are also part of the ongoing operations," he said.

According to the spokesman, villagers are extending all help and cooperation to the security forces.