||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh August 07,2024||

JAMMU: In a tense and dramatic turn of events, security forces today clashed with a group of terrorists near Kabristan, Thanda Pani in the dense forests of Khaned, Basantgarh area in Udhampur district. The encounter erupted following a meticulously planned Search and Destroy Operation (SADO) launched by joint search parties of the police and the Army early this morning. Despite the exchange of fire, there have been no reports of casualties among the terrorists so far.

According to officials, the operation commenced after specific intelligence indicated the movement of terrorists in the area. “After specific input was gleaned regarding movements in the area, a SADO (Search and Destroy Operation) was launched in the wee hours today (Tuesday) by our parties; contact has been established with a group of terrorists in the Khaned area of Basantgarh police station. Ops (operations) underway,” Deputy Inspector General (Udhampur) Mohammad Rayees announced on X.

High Alert and Coordinated Efforts:

SSP Udhampur Joginder Singh affirmed that the search operation is ongoing with reinforcements dispatched to ensure the terrorists are neutralized. The operation has seen security personnel from the Army, police, and paramilitary forces maintaining a stringent cordon around the area to prevent the terrorists from escaping under the cover of darkness.

“Few rounds have been fired from both sides in Khaned area of Basantgarh when joint search parties of the police and the Army moved deep inside the densely forested area to track down the terrorists,” officials reported, underscoring the high-stakes nature of the mission.

This latest encounter is set against a backdrop of ongoing tension and previous skirmishes in the region. In April, a Village Defence Guard was martyred during a gunfight with terrorists in the Dudu area of Basantgarh. The terrorists managed to escape, underscoring the elusive and dangerous nature of the threat in the area.

The number of terrorists currently engaged is unclear, but reports suggest a group of three to four is active in the region. This has necessitated regular search operations and long-range patrols deep within Basantgarh’s forests, highlighting the area’s strategic and volatile significance.

The local communities, while resilient, remain on high alert. The persistent threat posed by these terrorists disrupts daily life and adds to the sense of vulnerability. However, the presence and proactive measures of the security forces offer a measure of reassurance.

The operation’s success hinges on precise coordination and real-time intelligence, showcasing the relentless efforts of the security personnel in ensuring the safety and stability of the region.

As the hunt continues, the engagement near Kabristan, Thanda Pani at Khaned in Basantgarh stands as a testament to the ongoing battle against terrorism in the region. The encounter today underscores the determination of security forces to root out terrorism, even as they navigate the challenging terrain and complex dynamics of Udhampur’s forested areas.

Security forces remain vigilant, and the community stands resilient, united in the face of these threats. The operations are a stark reminder of the sacrifices and efforts made daily to ensure peace and security in Jammu and Kashmir.