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Key Points

Security forces are engaged in a fierce gunfight with four trapped terrorists in Udhampur's Bihali area. The operation began after suspicious movements were reported in Basantgarh early Thursday morning. Authorities remain on high alert with the Amarnath Yatra commencing next week. Reinforcements have been rushed to the site despite challenging weather conditions hampering the operation.

Key Points: 4 Terrorists Trapped in Udhampur Gunfight Ahead of Amarnath Yatra

  • Security forces cordon off Bihali area after suspicious movement
  • Army confirms encounter following specific intelligence inputs
  • Reinforcements deployed amid heavy exchange of fire
  • Operation coincides with Amarnath Yatra security preparations
2 min read

J&K gunfight: Four terrorists trapped in Udhampur's Bihali

Security forces engage terrorists in Udhampur's Bihali amid heightened alert for Amarnath Yatra. IGP confirms 4 terrorists trapped despite bad weather.

"The situation will become clear once the weather improves. As per our assessment, a group of four terrorists is holed up. – IGP Bhim Sen Tuti"

Jammu, June 26

Police said on Thursday that four terrorists are trapped inside the cordoned-off area in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district, where a gunfight started earlier in the day.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti said that four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the ongoing encounter.

Speaking with reporters, the IGP said the contact with the terrorists was established around 8.30 a.m., but the weather is unfavourable.

“The situation will become clear once the weather improves. As per our assessment, a group of four terrorists is holed up,” he said.

Earlier, the Army said an encounter broke out between terrorists and security forces in the Bihali area of Basantgarh following specific inputs.

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.

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. In addition to the two base camps of Baltal in Ganderbal district and Nunwan (Pahalgam) in Anantnag district, several 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
Rahul K.
Our security forces are doing a commendable job in such difficult conditions. The weather adds to their challenges, yet they stand strong. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 Hope the operation concludes safely for our jawans.
P
Priya M.
This is concerning with Amarnath Yatra starting soon. We can't afford another Pahalgam-like tragedy. Authorities must ensure maximum security for pilgrims. Thoughts with the families who lost loved ones in April attack.
A
Amit S.
When will Pakistan stop sponsoring terrorism in our land? Enough is enough! Our forces are brave but they shouldn't have to keep fighting these proxy wars. Time for stronger diplomatic action.
N
Neha T.
The detailed security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra are reassuring. Mock drills, mountain domination - shows our forces are leaving no stone unturned. But I worry about local residents caught in these encounters. Innocent lives matter too.
V
Vikram J.
Salute to our armed forces! Operating in such terrain with bad weather is no joke. Meanwhile, media should be responsible in reporting - no need to give exact locations that might help terrorists.
S
Sunita R.
As someone whose family goes for Amarnath Yatra every year, this news makes me anxious 😟. But I trust our security forces completely. They've protected the yatra for decades against all odds. Har Har Mahadev!

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