Security Forces Hunt Down JeM Militants in J&K’s Basantgarh
Security forces have intensified a joint counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, targeting three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists believed to be hiding in the forested region of Basantgarh. The operation, launched after a fierce gunfight on June 26 that resulted in the killing of one militant identified as Haider alias “Maulvi”, is being carried out by the Indian Army’s Para Commandos and the Jammu and Kashmir Police under the codename Operation Bihali.
Troops have cordoned off the area using drones, sniffer dogs, and reinforcement units as they comb through the rugged terrain amid challenging weather conditions. The dense forest cover and continuous rainfall have hampered visibility and movement, but security forces remain on high alert, especially with the upcoming Amarnath Yatra and Rath Yatra festivities. Officials stated that the JeM group had been under surveillance for nearly a year and was finally tracked near Karoor Nallah.
The Basantgarh area is known for its history of militant infiltration due to its proximity to the Pakistan border near Kathua. Intelligence inputs had earlier indicated the presence of a four-member JeM cell, prompting a swift and coordinated strike by joint forces. While one militant was neutralized, the remaining three are believed to be armed and concealed within the forest.
Security has been further heightened across strategic routes, including the Jammu–Srinagar highway, in anticipation of religious pilgrimages. Authorities have also detained five overground workers who were allegedly providing shelter, food, and logistical support to the militants. These arrests have helped security agencies tighten the dragnet and possibly restrict escape routes.
JeM terrorists
JeM remains one of the most active Pakistan-based terror outfits operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The presence of operatives like Haider within Indian territory reflects the continuing challenges posed by cross-border terrorism. JeM has previously orchestrated major attacks such as those in Uri and Pulwama, and its current activity underscores the group’s continued threat in the region.
Basantgarh operation
Operation Bihali represents a sustained and intelligence-driven campaign to disrupt terror networks operating within Indian borders. The prolonged tracking of the group over a year and the rapid deployment of elite forces illustrate a shift toward pre-emptive, high-precision strikes against militant infrastructure. Terrain and weather constraints have not deterred forces from maintaining operational pressure.
J&K security
As the region prepares for religious pilgrimages that draw thousands of devotees, the urgency to secure transit routes and prevent any disruptive attack has intensified. The ongoing operation sends a clear message that security agencies will act decisively against any militant presence, especially during periods of heightened civilian movement. With the operation still active, forces remain committed to neutralizing the remaining militants and ensuring the safety and stability of the region.
