Search continues for 3 Pakistani terrorists in Udhampur forest; police say escape routes sealed

Jammu: Security forces on Tuesday intensified their operation to trace three terrorists holed up in a dense forest near a village in Jammu’s Udhampur district, a day after a policeman was killed in a gunfight in the area.

Amjad Ali Khan, a special operations group (SOG) constable, lost his life on Monday night during the encounter that broke out in Soan village in Majalta area earlier in the evening. In a post on X, J&K Police said Amjad “made the supreme sacrifice, whilst combatting Pakistani terrorists”.




Speaking to media persons in Udhampur on Tuesday, Jammu zone IGP Bhim Sen Tuti said after the initial firing, the terrorists escaped into a dense forest area. “However, all possible escape routes have been sealed and a tight security cordon has been established, with additional forces rushed to the spot. The operation is in progress,” he said.

According to sources, one terrorist is believed to have been injured, but there was no official confirmation.

The gun battle started after a search operation was launched on Monday evening on the basis of specific information about the presence of terrorists. “The intelligence input was accurate and during the exchange of fire, the presence of three terrorists was confirmed,” the IGP said.

During the encounter, SOG jawan Amjad, a resident of Poonch, was injured. “We tried to get him out, but due to blood loss, unfortunately we lost him,” Tuti said.

A wreath-laying ceremony for the slain cop was held at district police lines on Tuesday, which was attended by DGP Nalin Prabhat, IGP Tuti and other senior officers of J&K Police and CRPF and district administration. “Heroes Never Die!” J&K Police said in their tribute on X.

Officials said the search operation continues, and the cordon has been further strengthened, with additional forces rushed to the spot. “A joint team of SOG, along with the Army and the CRPF, is on the job with sniffer dogs,” said an official.

Traditionally, Pakistani terrorists have used areas like Basatgarh-Dudu area in Udhampur district, which have hilly terrain intersected with rivers and streams, to cross over to Doda and Kishtwar and further move to Kashmir Valley after entering from the International Border (IB) in Jammu’s Kathua district. The area has witnessed several encounters and terror incidents in the past.

On Nov 28, the forces had launched a joint search operation in the upper reaches of Basantgarh after three suspected terrorists reportedly appeared at a Bakerwal’s house and demanded food at gunpoint, according to some reports.

On Oct 7, a similar operation was carried out in the Dharni top area of Basantgarh after some locals reported movement of three suspected terrorists.

Prior to this, on June 26, a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist was killed by security forces, while his three associates remained trapped in an encounter in a forest area of Bihali, Basantgarh, in Udhampur.

On April 24, an Army Havaldar, Jhantu Ali Sheikh from 6th Para of Special Forces (SF), was killed in an encounter in Dudu-Basantgarh area.