JeM Terrorist Killed in Udhampur Encounter, Three Others Trapped Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

A terrorist affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was killed on Thursday in an encounter with security forces in the Bihali forest area of Basantgarh, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.

Three other terrorists remain trapped in the dense forest as the joint operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police continues.

Year-Long Surveillance Leads to Operation

The gunfight broke out early Thursday morning after security forces launched a joint search operation based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials revealed the group had been under surveillance for nearly a year.

“A terrorist has been neutralised in the ongoing joint operation by the Army and Police. The operation is still in progress,” a defence spokesperson confirmed.

Despite poor visibility caused by fog and difficult terrain, security forces have intensified efforts to track down the remaining militants, believed to be hiding near Karoor nullah. Para commandos are leading the on-ground sweep.

Security Tightens Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

The encounter comes just a week before the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra, raising concerns over security arrangements across the region.

Inspector General of Police (Jammu Range) Bhim Sen Tuti said contact was made with the terrorist group around 8:30 am.

“There are four terrorists. We’ve been tracking this group for the past year,” he said, adding that further updates will be available as the situation develops and visibility improves.

The Army’s White Knight Corps also posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and J&K Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress.”

Separate Operation in Samba Yields No Threat

In a related development, a search operation was carried out late Wednesday night in the Purmandal area of Samba district after reports of suspicious movement. However, no threat was found, and the operation concluded without incident, officials said.

The ongoing Bihali encounter underscores heightened alertness among security agencies as the region braces for one of the year’s most sensitive pilgrimage events.