Security Forces (SFs) launched a massive Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in over a dozen areas in Kulgam District of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) on December 2, reports Daily Excelsior. Official sources said on a tip off about the presence of militants, troops of Rashtriya Rifles (RR), Special Operation Group (SOG) of J&K Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a joint CASO and cordoned off Chowalagam, Chattabal, Bypass and adjoining areas in Kulgam early morning. Traffic was diverted through other routes and large number of offices, educational institutions and business hubs are located in the cordoned off areas. The house-to-house search operation was the first major CASO in Kulgam after August 5, when centre scrapped Article 370 and 35 A besides divided the State into two Union Territories (UTs).