Is There a Gunfight Between Joint Forces and Terrorists in Udhampur, J&K?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jammu, December 15 (NationPress) - A fierce gunfight erupted on Monday evening in J&K's Udhampur district between the joint security forces and suspected terrorists affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), according to officials. IGP Jammu, Bhim Sen Tuti, announced on X that engagement with the terrorists began following precise intelligence from the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
A coordinated operation is currently underway, involving the Special Operations Group (SOG), the Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Reports indicate that gunfire was first detected in the besieged Soan Martha village around 6 p.m. as the joint forces initiated a search operation aimed at locating the hiding terrorists.
“Reinforcements have been deployed to reinforce the cordon and neutralize the terrorists. The operation is being conducted by the SOG of J&K Police, along with the Army and CRPF. As of the latest updates, intermittent exchanges of fire are ongoing in the region,” said an official, noting that approximately 2 to 3 terrorists from JeM are believed to be trapped.
The J&K Police and security personnel have been intensifying anti-terrorism operations, focusing on both the terrorists and their overground workers (OGWs) to dismantle the entire support framework for terrorism.
Earlier, on June 26, a Pakistani terrorist known as Haider, or Maulvi, was killed in an encounter, although three of his associates managed to flee due to adverse weather and the challenging terrain of the dense Basantgarh forest.
The J&K DGP, Nalin Prabhat, labeled Haider as the top commander of JeM, affirming that despite the difficult geographic conditions in upper Udhampur, security forces would systematically eliminate hiding terrorists.
On September 19, a soldier lost his life in another encounter within the district, while three terrorists escaped. The Basantgarh area in Udhampur is known for frequent confrontations between terrorists and security forces.
Monday's gunfire incident marks the third significant encounter in the region.