One of the top Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists, who had been under surveillance for nearly a year, was killed on Thursday in a fierce gunfight with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Basantgarh sector of Udhampur district.
The encounter was part of an ongoing operation, code-named "Operation Bihali," which is still going on to search the rough upper reaches of the area. Reportedly, at least three more terrorists are believed to be hiding in the region. The challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions are complicating the search.
The gunfight erupted around 8:30 am when based on a specific intelligence, a joint search operation involving the Indian Army, para commandos, and the Jammu and Kashmir Police was carried out in the Bihali area, near Karoor Nallah. Additional reinforcements have been rushed to the remote, mountainous region to support the ongoing operation.
This comes days after security forces initiated a cordon and search operation in more than two dozen areas of the Poonch area.
Since 2021, militants have constantly moved from one district to another district, taking cover in the dense foliage in the upper reaches of the south of the Pir Panjal mountain range.
Confirming the development to mediapersons, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti said, "Contact was made with the terrorists at about 8:30 am. There are estimated to be four terrorists, and we have been following this group for the past one year." IGP Tuti added that search operation is underway despite dense fog, with more details expected to come once the weather conditions improve.
Officials have confirmed that the militants trapped in the encounter belong to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) group.
Earlier, in a post on X, the Army’s White Knight Corps of the Army based in Jammu had stated that "Op BIHALI. On the basis of certain intelligence, an Indian Army and J&K Police joint operation was conducted in the area of Bihali in Basantgarh. Contact has been made with terrorists. The operation is under way."
Reports said four militants are believed to be trapped in an ongoing encounter in the Udhampur district.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen, “The situation will become clear once the weather improves. As per our assessment, a group of four terrorists is holed up.”
Earlier, the army said the encounter broke out between militants and security forces in the Bihali area of the Basantgarh following specific inputs. This is developing news, and more details shall follow as they emerge.
The encounter comes just a week ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, set to begin on July 3 in the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Security forces across the region are on high alert, setting up anti-terror operations to ensure the safety of the pilgrimage.
Earlier on Wednesday, security forces launched a search in the Purmandal area of Samba district after intelligence inputs about suspicious movement. Officials later confirmed that the operation concluded peacefully, with no suspicious materials recovered.
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