High-Stakes Search in Basantgarh’s Remote Wilderness”

Exclusive Ground Coverage of Black and White Digital News ●○●○●○

April 29, 2024

||Black and White Digital News||

In a tragic turn of events, a Village Defence Guard (VDG) member lost his life in a fierce gun battle with infiltrated terrorists in the remote village of Basantgarh, Udhampur district. The encounter unfolded early Sunday morning, sending shockwaves through the region.

The slain VDG member, Mohd Sharief, was hailed for his bravery and selflessness in the line of duty.

Additional Director General of Police for the Jammu zone, Anand Jain, swiftly arrived at the scene to oversee the ongoing anti-terror operation aimed at neutralizing the terrorists who had crossed over from Pakistan.

Jain led the wreath laying ceremony of slain VDG member Mohd Sharief at Basantgarh police station this evening and saluted his supreme sacrifice for the nation.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi range, Rayees Mohd Bhat and other officers from police and CRPF also paid floral tributes to the martyr.

We got information about the presence of terrorists (in Panara village of Basantgarh) late Saturday night and activated police and VDG members. Because the information was not pin-pointed and we have a vast jungle area, the area domination patrols were launched,” Jain told reporters after the Sharief’s body was dispatched to his home at village Khaned for last rites.

He said one of the parties came under fire while moving towards ” *Chochru Gala* ” heights around 7:45 am and in the ensuing encounter, the VDG member laid down his life.

According to sources, locals spotted militants moving in two separate groups, numbering seven gunmen in total.

“Where these terrorists infiltrated from is under investigation,” stated ADGP Anand Jain, acknowledging the challenging terrain and vast jungle areas complicating the search efforts. Reinforcements including police, CRPF, and Army units were deployed swiftly to encircle the area and track down the infiltrators.

Amidst the sorrow, VDG member Karan Kumar (name changed )echoed calls for better equipment, stressing the readiness of local security forces to combat terrorism effectively.

This encounter marks a chilling reminder of the persistent threat in regions like Basantgarh, once plagued by terror activities but now determined to withstand and eradicate any resurgence.

“*Manhunt in Basantgarh under supervision of ADGP Anand Jain, DIG Rayees Bhat & SSP Joginder Singh camping in Basantgarh to Eradicate Infiltrated Terrorists”***

A tense atmosphere grips Basantgarh village as security forces, led by DIG Rayees Bhat, intensify efforts to hunt down terrorists who recently infiltrated the area from across the border.

SSP Joginder Singh along with SDPO Manjeet Singh emphasized the gravity of the situation, with reports indicating the presence of two groups of terrorists navigating the dense forests of Udhampur district. Helicopter sorties were deployed to deploy para-commandos deep within the rugged terrain, enhancing the search for the assailants.

According to the official sources, snow in the upper reaches is playing the spoil spot in intensified search operations, taking advantage of the inclement weather and heavy snow, militants might have went underground in their camouflaged hideouts.

The incident resurrects memories of Basantgarh’s turbulent past, a region once notorious for terrorist activities, now fiercely defended by determined security forces. As investigations progress, the community stands united against any attempt to disrupt peace in the region.