Encounter Erupts in Udhampur as Amarnath Yatra Nears
A high-stakes encounter erupted in the Basantgarh region of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday morning, just days before the commencement of the annual Amarnath Yatra. The joint operation, codenamed Operation Bihali, was launched by the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police following intelligence inputs on terrorist movement in the Kuru-Bihali forest zone.
The gunfight began at first light when contact was established with the terrorists during a cordon-and-search operation. The security forces came under immediate fire, and a fierce exchange of gunfire ensued. The operation is ongoing, and reinforcements have been deployed to seal off potential escape routes. IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti confirmed that the gunbattle is active and operations are continuing with caution in the densely forested terrain.
The encounter comes amid heightened security arrangements for the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9. Authorities have deployed nearly 50,000 CRPF personnel along with specialized bomb detection units, drone surveillance, sniffer dogs, and air-space restrictions to pre-empt any terror threat. Pilgrims have been strongly advised to travel in escorted convoys and refrain from solo travel due to credible security threats.
This latest operation follows a wave of intensified anti-terror activities in the region, especially after the Pahalgam attack in April that left 26 civilians dead. That incident triggered India’s cross-border crackdown under Operation Sindoor, targeting terror launchpads and infiltration routes across the Line of Control.
As Operation Bihali unfolds, security agencies are maintaining close vigil along all pilgrimage routes. Civilian movement has been restricted in the Basantgarh sector, and the safety of Amarnath pilgrims remains a top priority. The successful containment of this encounter is critical to ensuring the peaceful conduct of one of India’s most significant religious pilgrimages. Further updates are awaited as the operation progresses.
