Search underway in Udhampur to track 3 JeM terrorists; one killed in encounter
The operation restarted early this morning, bolstered by fresh reinforcements, drones, and sniffer dogs.;

Security forces resumed a search operation on Friday in the forested Basantgarh area of Udhampur district to track down three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists believed to be hiding after an encounter on Thursday left one of their associates dead.
The operation restarted early this morning, with reinforcements including drones and sniffer dogs joining the effort, according to news agency PTI.
On Thursday, a joint team of the Army and police confronted a group of four Pakistan-based JeM terrorists in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. A gunfight ensued, resulting in the death of one terrorist, identified as Haider alias Maulvi from Pakistan. The remaining three terrorists are still at large.
Basantgarh is known as an infiltration route used by terrorists entering India from the International Border in Kathua. During the encounter, the terrorists were found hiding near Karoor Nallah and engaged by the Army's Para Commandos. The search for the other three suspects is ongoing.
Jammu zone Inspector General of Police (IGP) Bhim Sen Tuti told Hindustan Times that the operation was launched based on specific intelligence. “The search operation is still on. The situation will become clear after the weather clears. It is a group of four terrorists. We had been monitoring these terrorists for the past year,” he said.
Ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra, security forces have conducted mock drills on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, a frequent target for terror groups. The first batch of pilgrims is scheduled to depart Jammu on July 2, with the Yatra itself starting on July 3. Security has been significantly tightened, with additional paramilitary companies deployed from the Centre, according to Tuti.
He also advised pilgrims to travel only with official convoys from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu and avoid independent travel.
The Army’s White Knight Corps noted that the terrorists were moving through forested terrain and using caves to evade detection. Officials revealed the group was supported for months by overground workers (OGWs) who provided food and shelter; at least five OGWs have been arrested recently. One of the JeM operatives being tracked is reportedly a local man who had returned from Pakistan and is now assisting infiltrators.
This encounter comes amid heightened tensions in the region. On April 22, a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, prompting India to launch Operation Sindoor on May 6 to target terror camps. A brief conflict between India and Pakistan followed from May 7 to 10 before a ceasefire was agreed upon.