An encounter has started between joint forces and a group of terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Tuesday. According to initial reports, three to four terrorists are believed to be trapped in the Basantgarh area, leading to a tense standoff with the security personnel.
Further details into the incident are awaited.
Three terrorist associates held in Anantnag
Earlier on Monday (August 5), security forces apprehended three terrorist associates in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district and recovered arms and ammunition, a statement said. The statement added that the terrorist associates were held during a naka-checking operation conducted by Anantnag police, in collaboration with 1 Rashtriya Rifle (RR) and 90 Battalion Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) at Hassanpura Tulkhan Road. The terrorist associates were identified as Dawood Ahmad Dar, Imtiyaz Ahmad Reshi, and Shahid Ahmad Dar, all residents of Hassanpora Tavela.
A case under sections 3/4 of the Explosive Substance Act, 7/25 of the Arms Act, and 18, 20, 23, 38 Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UA(P) has been registered at Police Station Bijbehara.
Spike in terror attacks in J-K
The Jammu region, which remained relatively peaceful between 2005 and 2021 after security forces wiped out decades-long terrorism, witnessed a spike in terror attacks over the past month. It included an attack on a pilgrim bus that left nine persons dead and 40 injured. Terror activities resurfaced in October 2021 from the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Some of the deadly attacks that spread to Reasi, Kathua and Doda were attributed by the security establishment as an attempt by Pakistani handlers to revive terrorism in the Jammu region. Over 70 people, including 52 security personnel -- mostly from the Army -- have been killed in terror-related incidents in the Jammu region since 2021.
(With inputs from agencies)
