Jaish Terrorist Killed, Three Trapped In J&K Encounter Ahead Of Amarnath Yatra

A Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was gunned down by security forces in a fierce encounter in the rain-soaked forests of Basantgarh in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, Times of India reported.

Three other terrorists remain trapped as the operation continues in the remote Bihali area.

Jammu range Inspector General Bhim Sen Tuti said the slain terrorist is likely part of a group that had been under police surveillance for nearly a year.

“The weather is bad in Basantgarh. Once it clears, the situation will become more evident,” he said.

Based on intelligence inputs about the movement of a group of 3 to 4 terrorists, a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a seek-and-shoot operation early morning.

“As the forces approached the location, the terrorists started shooting. Retaliatory shots were fired, resulting in the death of one terrorist. The operation is ongoing,” a senior official was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Additional troops have been deployed to block escape routes.

While monsoon rains have hampered movement, they have also helped limit the terrorists’ mobility within the dense forest terrain, aiding the operation.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened ahead of the Amarnath Yatra, which will take place from 3 July to 9 August. 

“Jammu and Kashmir Police are fully ready to secure every pilgrim,” Tuti assured, adding that around 30 additional companies have been deployed for the pilgrimage this year.

He also urged pilgrims to avoid traveling independently and instead move in designated convoys to ensure their safety.

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