A fierce encounter broke out early Thursday morning between security forces and terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, as part of a joint counter-terror operation named “Operation Bihali.”
According to officials, contact was established with the terrorists following specific intelligence inputs, leading to a gunfight between the terrorists and the joint team of the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the development on X, stating: “Op BIHALI. 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 (IGP) Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, also confirmed that the encounter began in the early hours and the operation is ongoing.
Meanwhile, a joint mock drill was conducted on Wednesday at the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district to assess the preparedness for the Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on July 3. The coordinated exercise included personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Indian Army, NDRF, SDRF, Health Department, and Fire and Emergency Services.
Security forces continue to maintain a high level of readiness across the Union Territory amid heightened alert ahead of the pilgrimage season.