Search op launched after three suspected terrorists spotted in Udhampur

Security forces on Saturday launched a massive cordon-and-search operation in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district after three suspected terrorists reportedly approached a nomadic family seeking food.

The Gujjar and Bakerwal communities, who reside in the higher reaches of the region, have in the past alerted security forces about the movement of terrorists. The latest operation was triggered after a nomad from Chigla-Balotha informed the Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the J&K Police that the suspects had knocked on his door on Friday evening. Officials said the nomad refused to give them food, following which the suspected militants left the spot without harming him.

Basantgarh lies on a traditional route often used by infiltrators entering from the International Border (IB) in Kathua. Its proximity to Kathua and Doda, along with its dense forests and numerous natural caves, has historically made the area a hideout for armed groups operating from across the border.

Village Defence Guards (VDGs) were immediately alerted and joined the Army and SOG in conducting coordinated searches across the region. Basantgarh has witnessed several encounters in the past and remains a sensitive zone.

Search operations were also extended to adjoining forest belts of Kathua and Doda on suspicion that the suspects may have moved toward those areas.

Meanwhile, the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) continue to maintain heightened surveillance along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) to prevent any infiltration attempts.