Encounter underway in Udhampur

Jammu/Srinagar, Dec 15: A raging encounter was underway after security forces established contact with terrorists in village Soan of the Majalta area in Udhampur district on Monday evening, following a precise intelligence input from the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), officials said.

In a post on X, IGP Jammu said acting on the specific information, a joint team comprising the Special Operations Group (SOG) of JKP, the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a coordinated operation in the forested area. During the operation, a small SOG team encountered and engaged the terrorists.

Officials said the exchange of fire confirmed the presence of terrorists in the area. However, further combing and search operations were hampered due to darkness and the treacherous terrain of the dense forest.

Additional forces have been deployed to secure the area and prevent any possible escape routes. The operation is expected to resume at first light on Tuesday, with security forces maintaining a tight cordon around the suspected hideout.

Late Monday evening, the White Knight Corps of Indian Army, in a post on its official ‘X’ handle, stated that the “Operation Kiya” was in progress after security forces established contact with the terrorists.

“In an intelligence-based operation, SOG @JmuKmrPolice and alert troops of @IndianArmy have established contact with terrorists in the general area of Sohan, Udhampur district. Fire exchanged with terrorists. Operation is in progress,” White Knight Corps post read.

Meanwhile, the national news agency PTI reported that a policeman was killed and a terrorist was injured in the gunfight. However, neither the Army nor the Police officially confirmed any death or injury so far on any side.