Security Forces Engage in Encounter with Terrorists in J&K’s Udhampur

Jammu:

A conflict is currently ongoing between the security forces and a group of extremists in J&K’s Udhampur district on Tuesday, officials said.

Officials stated that a conflict between the security forces and the extremists started in the Basantgarh region of Udhampur.

“Following specific information gathered regarding movement in the area, a SADO (Search and Destroy Operation) was initiated in the early hours today by our teams; communication has been established with a group of extremists in Khaned region of PS Basantgarh. Operations are ongoing”, DIG, Udhampur-Reasi, Rayees Mohammad Bhat, stated in a message on X.

Udhampur is one of the hilly districts of the Jammu division where foreign extremists have been reported to be hiding in the dense forests.

To eliminate extremism from the hilly districts of the Jammu division including Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Kathua, Reasi and Udhampur districts, the army has deployed over 4,000 soldiers, including elite Para commandos and those trained in mountain warfare. The extremists hiding in the dense forests of these districts have carried out hit-and-run attacks against the army, paramilitary forces, and civilians.

The entire anti-extremism strategy was reassessed at the high-level security meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.

Police has detained around 40 individuals on suspicion of having sheltered, assisted or acted as guides for the extremists. Two of these detained suspects have admitted to having accompanied the extremists when they carried out surprise attacks in the Doda area. The security forces are actively conducting operations in these districts to target the extremists, their over ground workers (OGWs), supporters, and hideouts.