Udhampur:A high-ranking Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist, known by the code name ‘Maulvi’, was killed in a major anti-terror operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, Udhampur district. The joint operation, codenamed ‘Operation Bihali’, began early Thursday morning after security forces received specific intelligence inputs about terrorist movement in the dense forested region.
The operation is still ongoing, with three more terrorists believed to be hiding in the area. Security forces have cordoned off the entire forest belt and are continuing their search under challenging conditions due to rain and poor visibility.
According to official sources, the group of terrorists had infiltrated from Pakistan and had been under surveillance for nearly a year. The encounter began when the terrorists opened fire after being surrounded. In the ensuing gunfight, one terrorist was neutralized. The slain militant, “Maulvi,” is believed to have been a senior JeM commander who had recently crossed over from Pakistan.
The operation has gained heightened significance as it comes just days before the annual Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3. Intelligence agencies had previously warned of possible attempts by Pakistan-based terror groups to disrupt the pilgrimage. In response, security in the Jammu region has been significantly tightened, with multi-layered security deployments and surveillance measures in place.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, which is spearheading the operation along with the local police, confirmed that the area remains sealed and operations will continue until all threats are neutralized.
“One terrorist has been neutralized in the ongoing operation. We suspect three more are still holed up. The terrain and weather are challenging, but the forces are fully equipped,” said a senior Army official.
Additional reinforcements, including CRPF personnel, drones, sniffer dogs, and para-commandos, have been deployed to ensure the terrorists do not escape the cordon.
The operation is being closely monitored by senior security officials, and further updates are expected as visibility improves and the cordon-tightening phase continues.
