Government forces on Saturday launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) in ten villages of Shopian district in south Kashmir.Reports said that CASO was launched in Chakoora, Mantribug, Zaipora, Pratabpora, Takipora, Ranipora, Ratnipora, Dangam, Kellar and Wangam villages by joint parties of police, Army’s 62 RR and 114th Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force early Saturday today.Police sources said that cordon and search operation was launched after inputs about the presence of a Hizbul Mujhadeen militant group. “There had been information that a Hizb group is present in one of the villages as a result cordon was laid around 12 on Friday night,” he said.Locals alleged that armed forces before launching the search operation checked the cell phones of scores of youth. They alleged that youth were beaten to pulp during search operation.Eyewitnesses said that not only door-to-door searches were conducted, but armed forces also searched the orchards.According to locals, drones and choppers were used during the search operation. Youth at Ratnipora, Wangam and Dangam hit to roads and pelted stones on the Forces who retaliated with tear-smoke shells.Cordon and search operation concluded at 2:30 of Saturday afternoon. “No arrests were made during the operation,” said a police official. Cordon and search operation was also launched at Padgampora and Malangpora areas of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district. (CNS)