Fresh Encounter Breaks Out In Udhampur As Security Operations Intensify Across J&K After Pahalgam Terror Attack

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir remain on high alert as an encounter broke out between troops and terrorists in the Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday (24 April) morning, ANI reported.

Confirming the development, Jammu and Kashmir Police stated, "Encounter has started between security forces and terrorists in the Dudu Basantgarh area of Udhampur."

Further details are awaited as operations continue.

Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Poonch district, the Indian Army's Romeo Force and the Jammu and Kashmir Police's Special Operations Group (SOG) have been engaged in an intensive joint search operation in the Lasana forest area for the tenth consecutive day.

The operation began on 15 April, following an armed exchange on 14 April in which terrorists fired upon security personnel, injuring one Romeo Force soldier near Lasana village along the Poonch-Jammu National Highway.

Officials report that the forested terrain continues to pose operational challenges, yet the area has been cordoned off and security forces are combing through dense vegetation to flush out hiding militants.

In response to the escalating threats, security has been ramped up along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway 144.

“We are checking local cars by checking their licences. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam,” said Rajouri Traffic Police officer Ahmed Din.

“Traffic Police are there, the District Police are there, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there.”

These developments follow the harrowing terrorist attack in Pahalgam— the deadliest such incident in the valley since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

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