Security Forces Engage in Fierce Encounter with Terrorists in Udhampur's Basantgarh
A fierce encounter broke out on Tuesday between a joint team of security forces and a group of terrorists holed up in a remote, forested area in Basantgarh, located in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. The Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the operation in a statement on X, announcing that a cordon had been established and Operation Kiya was actively in progress.
Details of the Encounter and Ongoing Operations
Officials reported that at least two to three Pakistani terrorists are believed to be trapped within the cordon set up by the security forces. The White Knight Corps stated that contact with the terrorists was established around 4 PM by a joint team comprising the Counter Insurgency Force Delta, local police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
This incident follows earlier security actions in the region. Security forces had launched a search operation in the Jopher area of Udhampur's Ramnagar late on Sunday. Additionally, combing operations were carried out on Monday in surrounding areas including Marta, Kulthian, Sohan, Kheal, and Chour Mottu.
Wider Counter-Terrorism Efforts Across Jammu and Kashmir
Counter-terrorism actions have been ongoing in multiple districts to track and neutralize fleeing terrorists. These efforts include operations in:
- Ramgarh's forests and Kalas top in Rajouri district
- The upper reaches of Poonch, Kathua, Doda, and Reasi districts
Meanwhile, Operation Trashi-I, which was launched in the forested Chatroo belt of Kishtwar district on January 18, entered its 17th day on Tuesday. Troops continue to navigate through knee-deep snow in challenging conditions to trace hiding terrorists.
Review of Operations and Previous Engagements
The White Knight Corps Commander visited Kishtwar district on Monday to review the counter-terrorism grid and assess the operational preparedness of units deployed in the region. Under Operation Trashi-I, security forces have engaged in four encounters with terrorists over the past fortnight:
- Initial contact was established in Sonnar forest near Mandral-Singhpora, Chatroo, on January 18, resulting in injuries to eight security personnel, one of whom later succumbed.
- Another gunfight occurred with holed-up ultras in Singhpora on January 22.
- A firefight on January 24 led to the death of a Pakistani Jaish terrorist.
- A brief gun battle took place in Dolgam on January 31.
Security Measures and Communication Restrictions
As a precautionary security measure, mobile internet services across all bandwidths have been temporarily suspended within a 6-kilometer radius covering Singhpora, Chingam, and Chatroo since January 30. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of communication channels by terrorist elements and ensure the safety of ongoing operations.
The situation remains fluid as security forces maintain vigilance and continue their efforts to neutralize terrorist threats in the region, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.
