J&K: Security Forces Tighten Cordon to Flush Out Terrorists in Udhampur

Jammu, Dec 16: Security forces on Tuesday intensified search operations in Udhampur district to track terrorists holed up in a village, a day after a policeman was martyred in an encounter, officials said.

The operation was resumed in the area with a strengthened cordon to trace the militants, one of whom is believed to have been injured during Monday’s gunfight. Two policemen had also suffered minor bullet injuries in the encounter.

A joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of police, the Army and the CRPF, supported by sniffer dogs, is carrying out the operation, officials said.

On Monday evening, security forces exchanged fire with terrorists in Soan village of the Majalta area after receiving a tip-off about the presence of three militants, suspected to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM).

The encounter, which broke out around 6 pm, continued for some time and left one SOG jawan, Amjad Pathan, son of Bashrat Khan and a resident of Salva, Mendhar in Poonch district, critically injured. He later succumbed to his injuries.

IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti said a small SOG team had initially engaged the terrorists, adding that combing operations were hampered by darkness and difficult terrain.

Basantgarh area of Udhampur lies along a traditional infiltration route used by Pakistani terrorists to enter from the International Border in Kathua and move towards Doda and Kishtwar, and further into the Kashmir Valley. The region has witnessed multiple encounters and terror incidents in the past.

Officials said the slain policeman’s body is awaiting post-mortem, following which a wreath-laying ceremony will be held in Udhampur. (Agencies)