Security Forces Conduct Operation Against Terrorists in Udhampur

Jammu, Dec 16: Security forces on Tuesday resumed operations to track down terrorists holed up in Udhampur’s Soan village, a day after a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan was martyred in a gunfight, officials said.

During Monday’s encounter, one terrorist was believed to have been injured, while two policemen sustained minor bullet wounds. The operation, now reinforced, involves a joint team of the SOG, army, and CRPF, aided by sniffer dogs.

The gunfight broke out around 6 pm on Monday after police received intelligence about three terrorists hiding in the village, reportedly affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit. SOG jawan Amjad Pathan, son of Bashrat Khan from Salva, Mendhar in Poonch district, was critically injured during the operation and later succumbed to his injuries.

IGP Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti noted that the forested and rugged terrain, combined with darkness, has made the search operation challenging. Udhampur’s Basantgarh area is known as a traditional infiltration route used by terrorists to move from the International Border in Kathua to Doda, Kishtwar, and further into the Kashmir Valley, and has witnessed several encounters in the past.

Pathan’s body awaits post mortem, following which a wreath laying ceremony will be held in Udhampur to honor his sacrifice.