One JeM terrorist shot dead, search for three others continues in J&K’s Udhampur

A joint search operation by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police continued for the second day on Friday in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists. The search was launched after a gunfight on Thursday led to the killing of one terrorist identified as Haider alias Maulvi, a Pakistani national. The operation, codenamed Operation Bihali, began around 8:30 am on June 26 following specific intelligence inputs.

Officials confirmed that the terrorists were hiding near Karoor Nallah in a remote forested area when they were confronted by a joint team of Army Para Commandos and police personnel. One terrorist was neutralised in the encounter, while three others are believed to have escaped into the higher reaches of the forest. Drones, sniffer dogs, and fresh reinforcements have been deployed to assist in the search, which is continuing despite fog and difficult terrain.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti said, “Contact was established with the terrorists around 8:30 am. There are believed to be four terrorists, and we have been tracking this group for the last one year.” He added that the real picture would become clearer once weather conditions improve. The group was reportedly using caves and forest cover to evade detection.

Security officials said at least five overground workers (OGWs) have been arrested for providing food, shelter, and logistical support to the group over the past few months. One of the suspects being tracked is reportedly a local who had returned from Pakistan and is believed to be aiding the infiltrators. The Basantgarh region is known to be an infiltration corridor used by terrorists entering India via the International Border in Kathua.

The operation comes days before the Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3, with the first batch of pilgrims scheduled to leave Jammu on July 2. Security has been tightened in the region, including mock drills on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. “This time around, we have got more paramilitary companies from the Centre,” said IGP Tuti. He advised all pilgrims to travel only in official convoys from the Yatri Niwas base camp and avoid independent travel for safety.