Search operation to trace JeM terrorists in Udhampur enters Day 3

The search operation to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the mountainous Basantgarh region of Udhampur entered its third day on Saturday amid intensified aerial surveillance, officials said. The cordon and search operation is being carried out by a joint team of security forces.

A Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Thursday, while three of his associates remain trapped in the dense forests of the Basantgarh belt.

A senior official told The Tribune on Saturday that the search operation is progressing steadily. “The area has been completely cordoned off and a thorough search is underway. All efforts are being made to hunt down the remaining terrorists,” the official said.

Officials added that a multi-layered cordon has been established in the Bihali forest area, where the terrorists are believed to be hiding. Additional reinforcements have been deployed to intensify the manhunt.

On Thursday, security forces found the four terrorists hiding near Karoor Nallah in the high-altitude Bihali belt and engaged them, leading to a fierce encounter. One of the terrorists, identified as Haider alias Jabbar, code-named Maulvi, a Pakistani national, was killed in the gunfight.

Police officials said poor weather conditions have posed challenges to the operation. “Aerial surveillance is being conducted, and sniffer dogs are being used to trace the terrorists’ location,” they added.

The search teams have recovered the body of the slain terrorist, along with ammunition, explosive material, and cash.

Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed that the terrorists are still believed to be within the cordoned-off area. “Out of the four terrorists, the group’s commander has been neutralized,” Tuti said.

According to officials, the group had been under surveillance for over a year. Two terrorists from the same group were eliminated in Basantgarh in September last year.

Supported by overground workers (OGWs), the terrorists have been moving across the region, using forests and natural caves to evade security forces. It is also believed that a local terrorist, who had returned from Pakistan after several years, is actively assisting the group.