An encounter took place between security forces and terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning, police said.
A police official said that a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Bihali area following intelligence inputs about the presence of militants.
“The hiding terrorists opened fire on the security personnel. The forces retaliated, triggering an encounter,” the official said.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the operation in a post on social media platform X, saying, “Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu Kashmir Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress.”
Inspector General of Police (Jammu Zone) Bhim Sen Tuti said the encounter began around 8:30 a.m. and that a group of four militants is believed to be trapped.
“We had information about this group’s presence in the area since last year,” he told reporters, adding that the weather is bad, and once it improves, the situation will become clear.
The operation comes amid heightened security activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Following the recent militant attack in Pahalgam, security agencies have intensified counterinsurgency efforts, killing at least six terrorists in two separate operations in south Kashmir.
Amarnath Yatra security stepped up
Security has also been increased ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 3 and continue until August 9.
“This year, there has been a heavier deployment of security forces compared to previous years,” the IGP said. He added that more companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed and vigilance has been enhanced.
Road Opening Parties (ROPs) have also been stationed in areas where they were not deployed previously, he sai