26 June,2025 09:47 PM IST | Jammu | mid-day online correspondent
A security personnel during a search operation after an encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in a remote forested area, in Jammu and Kashmir`s Udhampur district. Pic/PTI.
A terrorist belonging to the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit was killed on Thursday in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. Three of his associates, part of the same group, remain trapped in a remote forested area, officials confirmed.
The group of four terrorists had been under surveillance for a year, with security forces actively tracking their movements. They were confronted by a joint search party of the Indian Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police in the morning, in the remote Bihali area of Basantgarh.
Following the initial contact, reinforcements were immediately dispatched to the location, and a massive search operation is currently underway despite challenging weather conditions.
A defence spokesperson stated, "In the ongoing operation by the Indian Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police, one terrorist has been neutralised so far. Operation continues."
The timing of Operation Bihali is particularly significant, as it occurs just a week ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which is set to commence in the Kashmir Himalayas.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed that contact with the terrorists was established at approximately 8:30 am.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, he added, "They are believed to be four in number and we have been tracking this group for the last one year."
Tuti further explained that the search operation is continuing despite foggy conditions, and a clearer picture of the situation will emerge once the weather improves. Officials indicated that the trapped terrorists are confirmed members of the Pakistan-based JeM group. They were discovered hiding near Karoor nullah by the joint search party during an operation, which was spearheaded by the army's elite para commandos.
Earlier in the day, the Jammu-based White Knight Corps of the Army had 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."
In a related development, security forces also conducted a search operation in the Purmandal area of Samba district late on Wednesday following reports of suspicious activity.
However, officials later confirmed that this particular operation concluded peacefully after no suspicious material or individuals were found on the ground.
(With inputs from PTI)
