Terrorist gunned down by security forces in Udhampur ahead of Amarnath Yatra

A terrorist was killed in an ongoing encounter with security forces in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday, just a week before the annual Amarnath Yatra is set to begin.

The Indian Army's White Knight Corps confirmed the development in a post on X, stating, “Op BIHALI Update: In the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralised till now. Operation continues.”

The encounter began after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the hilly and forested region of Basantgarh, following intelligence inputs about militant movement. Police had earlier said that four militants were believed to be hiding in the area, suspected to have infiltrated across the border recently.

The search operation turned into a gunfight after contact was established. This development comes amid heightened security arrangements in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in view of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra scheduled to begin on June 29.

The pilgrimage, which attracts thousands of devotees annually, is being held under a thick security cover this year following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed 26 lives, most of them tourists.

In preparation for the Yatra, multiple mock drills have been carried out at sensitive locations including Pahalgam, Anantnag, Qazigund, Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, and Sumbal in Bandipora.

These drills simulated scenarios involving large crowds, road accidents, and possible terror attacks to ensure readiness of the forces and coordination among various agencies.

The Srinagar police also conducted a large-scale mock drill involving multiple departments to test inter-agency response during emergencies. In North Kashmir, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Maqsood-ul-Zaman recently visited the Shadipora Transit Camp to inspect the security setup and reviewed surveillance measures, CCTV coverage, traffic flow, and sanitation arrangements.

Special emphasis is being placed on adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) involving intelligence sharing, vehicle movement protocols, and quick-response strategies.

The killing of the terrorist in Udhampur highlights the ongoing challenges in maintaining peace in the region and underscores the urgency with which security forces are working to secure the Yatra route.

Officials said the joint operation in Basantgarh is still underway and a search is on for other suspected militants in the area.

India