National Security / Two Terrorists Neutralised in J&K’s Udhampur

Jammu, Sep 17: Fresh tension gripped Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Wednesday evening as security forces launched a swift cordon and search operation in Majalta, leading to a fierce encounter in which two terrorists were neutralised.

Officials said joint forces swiftly initiated a cordon and search operation, leading to an exchange of fire. “During the ensuing gunfight, two terrorists have been killed. The operation is still going on in the area. The exact identity of the slain terrorists is being ascertained,” officials confirmed.

The operation was initially carried out by J&K Police and Army paratroopers, with reinforcements rushed in as the encounter intensified. A combined team of the Indian Army, CRPF, and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of J&K Police is conducting searches in the area.

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This action comes amid heightened security in the Pir Panjal region following the recent busting of an alleged Lashkar‑e‑Taiba (LeT) overground worker network in Rajouri.

On September 15, police arrested three individuals — Zakir Hussain, Mohd Azam, and Mohd Mushtaq — in connection with the terror module.

Security forces have intensified operations using sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance to sanitize the area and track any remaining terrorists. High alert, vehicle checks, and tight cordons remain in place across strategic routes in the Udhampur‑Reasi range.

The hilly districts of Udhampur, Reasi, Ramban, Kathua, Poonch, and Rajouri continue to be under special focus due to reported movements of hardcore Pakistani terrorists. Officials noted that sustained operations over the past six months have neutralised several top militants.

The larger advantage, they added, is that terrorists are being kept constantly on the run, preventing them from gaining a foothold to plan or execute attacks against security forces and civilians.

(IANS)