Key Points

A serious gunfight has erupted between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district after suspicious movement was detected. The encounter began with security forces initiating a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in the Basantgarh area after receiving intelligence inputs. This incident comes in the backdrop of increased security preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, which starts on July 3. The security establishment remains on high alert, especially after recent terrorist attacks in the region.

Key Points: J&K Udhampur Gunfight Erupts Between Terrorists and Security Forces

  • Encounter ongoing in Jammu and Kashmir's sensitive Udhampur region
  • Security heightened ahead of crucial Amarnath Yatra
  • Terrorists targeted in coordinated cordon and search operation
  • Additional forces deployed to prevent potential terrorist infiltration
2 min read

Gunfight erupts between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Udhampur

Intense encounter underway in Basantgarh area of Udhampur, security forces respond to suspicious terrorist movement with coordinated operation

Gunfight erupts between security forces and terrorists in J&K's Udhampur
"The security forces came under heavy automatic gunfire, which was returned - Official Sources"

Jammu, June 26

A gunfight started on Thursday between the security forces and the terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district.

Officials said that after suspicious movement was reported in the Basantgarh area of the district, security forces started a CASO (Cordon and Search Operation) in the area this morning.

"The security forces came under heavy automatic gunfire, which was returned, triggering an encounter which is now going on. Reinforcements have been rushed to the spot," officials said.

More details are awaited.

After the Pahalgam attack on April 22, in which Pakistan-backed terrorists of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) killed 26 civilians in Baisaran meadow, security forces are on maximum alert in the union territory.

Additional companies of BSF, CRPF and SSB have been made available to Jammu and Kashmir to provide security to the upcoming Amarnath Yatra that starts on July 3 and concludes on August 9, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

The pilgrims approach the cave shrine either through the longer, traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route to reach the cave shrine situated 3888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas.

A mock security drill was held successfully on Wednesday in all the districts through which the Yatris will pass to reach the cave shrine. All mountain tops are being dominated by the security forces to prevent the terrorists from moving to the hinterland and also to keep them at bay from carrying out any attacks in the hinterland.

In addition to the two base camps of Baltal in Ganderbaj district and Nunwan (Pahalgam) in Anantnag district, a number of transit camps have been set up on the two routes to the base camps.

The successful and peaceful conduct of this year's Amarnath Yatra is a challenge faced by the security forces and the local police, as this Yatra is being held after India and Pakistan engaged in hostilities during which the Indian Armed Forces targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Our security forces are doing a commendable job in such difficult conditions. The timing is worrying though - just before Amarnath Yatra. We must ensure pilgrims' safety at all costs. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
This is heartbreaking. When will our Kashmiri brothers and sisters get permanent peace? The cycle of violence needs to end. Security is important but we also need long-term solutions through development and dialogue.
A
Amit S.
The mock drills and increased security for Amarnath Yatra are reassuring. But why does Pakistan continue to support these terror groups? Our forces need to be given free hand to deal with this menace once and for all.
S
Sunita R.
As someone who did the Amarnath Yatra last year, I can say the security arrangements were excellent. But incidents like today's show we can't let our guard down. Praying for our jawans' safety 🙏
V
Vikram J.
While I fully support our security forces, I wonder if more could be done to win hearts and minds in the valley. Development projects are good but we need to address the root causes of radicalization too.
N
Neha P.
The timing before Amarnath Yatra is suspicious. Our intelligence agencies must be extra vigilant. Kudos to the forces for acting swiftly! Hope the situation is brought under control soon.
K
Karan D.
We need to modernize our counter-terrorism strategies. Drones, better surveillance tech and local intelligence networks could help prevent such incidents. The

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