Security forces launch search operation in Udhampur’s Basantgarh belt to track down 3 JeM terrorists

STC NEWS DESK
JAMMU, JUNE 27 (STC): A joint team of security forces has launched search operations in the forested Basantgarh belt of Udhampur district today, said officials and added that the operation is underway to track down three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists.
Basantgarh lies on a traditional infiltration route of Pakistani terrorists who enter from the International Border in Kathua and move via higher reaches to Doda and Kishtwar districts in Jammu region and further into the Kashmir Valley. It has witnessed several encounters and terror incidents in the past.
Meanwhile, a Pakistan-based JeM terrorist was killed in an encounter with security forces on Thursday, and three of his associates remain trapped in the forested area of the Basantgarh belt.
Backed by drones and sniffer dogs, the operation resumed afresh this morning, with the cordon further strengthened with additional reinforcements to eliminate the remaining terrorists of the group, they added.
Speaking to reporters here, Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti said “In the ongoing operation at Basantgarh, we had an encounter with terrorists around 8:30 AM yesterday. Due to poor weather, the operation faced challenges. This group consisted of four terrorists.”
He further said that one terrorist has been successfully neutralised, and the search is on to track down the remaining three. “The weather has now improved in the area. An operation is underway way”, he said.
The group of four terrorists had been tracked for a year. They were confronted by a joint search party of the Army and police in the remote Bihali area of Basantgarh on Thursday morning, officials said.
The four terrorists were found hiding near Karoor Nallah and were engaged by the joint search party led by the Army’s Para Commandos, resulting in an encounter.
One of the terrorists killed in the encounter has been identified as Haider, code-named Maulvi from Pakistan.
Supported by over ground workers (OGWs), they had been moving from one area to another using forests and natural caves to hide, officials said. Five OGWs have been arrested during last several months in the belt for providing food and shelter to terrorists.
It is also believed that a local terrorist who had returned from Pakistan after several years is actively supporting terrorists.
(STC)