Jaish Commander Among Two Pakistani Terrorists Neutralized in Jammu's 20-Hour Operation
In a significant counter-terrorism success, security forces eliminated two Pakistani terrorists, including a top commander of the Jaish-e-Mohammad outfit, during an intensive 20-hour operation in the remote Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, codenamed Operation KIYA, concluded on Wednesday after meticulous planning and execution by joint forces.
Operation Details and Tactical Precision
The Nagrota-based White Knight Corps confirmed the killings through its official social media handle, detailing that the operation was launched based on specific intelligence provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. Troops of CIF Delta, White Knight Corps, in coordination with police and CRPF personnel, established a reinforced cordon in the Jphar Forest area of Basantgarh to prevent any escape attempts.
Contact with the terrorists was established on Tuesday, and since then, security forces effectively prevented them from breaking contact. Through a calibrated and coordinated response, the two terrorists were successfully neutralized. The operation showcased seamless inter-agency coordination, tactical precision, and high standards of professionalism, as emphasized in the official statement: "We serve, We protect!"
Identification of Slain Terrorists and Regional Context
One of the slain terrorists has been identified as Avu Mayia, a prominent Jaish-e-Mohammad commander who had been active in the Basantgarh region for several years. This area, bordering Kathua district's Bani area on one side and Doda district on the other, has historically been a hotspot for terrorist infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir via the international border since the mid-1990s.
In recent years, Basantgarh has witnessed a resurgence in terrorist movement, prompting security forces to intensify combing and search operations. This incident follows a pattern of heightened militant activity, including an encounter in April last year that resulted in the death of an Army Havildar in the same area.
Broader Security Measures and Ongoing Operations
Just last week, General Officer Commanding of the White Knight Corps, Lieutenant General Prasanna Kishore Mishra, visited Basantgarh to review the security situation and reinforce counter-terrorism measures. During his visit to forward locations, Lt Gen Mishra interacted with troops, urging them to remain alert, proactive, and ready to counter emerging threats effectively.
Meanwhile, security forces, police, and CRPF continue their joint searches for absconding terrorists in the Chhatru forests, which have been ongoing for over a fortnight. This operation stems from an encounter in Chhatru's Singhpora area on January 18, where three Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists fled after clashing with security forces, resulting in the death of an Army Havildar and injuries to seven soldiers.
Since then, troops, assisted by drones and sniffer dogs, have been conducting extensive searches. Contact with the terrorists was established on three additional occasions, but they managed to evade capture each time, underscoring the challenges in the region's rugged terrain.
Implications for Regional Security
The successful neutralization of the Jaish commander and his associate highlights the persistent threat of cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of joint operations and intelligence-sharing among security agencies. As Basantgarh remains a critical flashpoint, ongoing vigilance and proactive measures are essential to curb militant infiltration and ensure stability in the region.
