Terrorists trapped in Basantgarh under watch for last 1 year: IGP Jammu

Jammu, June 26: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu zone Bhim Sen Tuti Thursday stated that the movement of a group of terrorists trapped in Bihali forests of Basantgarh in Udhampur district was being monitored for the past one year and finally contact was established with them on June 26.

In the morning, contact was established with the terrorists at around 8.30 am. They are believed to be four in number. We had been tracking this group for the last one year. Today we were finally able to establish contact. Searches were being conducted amid inclement weather conditions. Weather was pretty bad there. Once dense foggy cover reduces, the situation will be clearer,î IGP stated, while responding to media queries after flagging a drug awareness vehicle.

Responding to queries about upcoming Amarnath Yatra, he said that security deployment was bolstered to an unprecedented level to ensure fool-proof security for it (pilgrimage) and 180 companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Forces were deployed in 2025, upscaling number as compared to 2024.

ìYesterday we conducted a special mock drill. Foolproof security arrangements have been made in all the five districts that complete the Amarnath Yatra circuit. All para military forces have arrived here and deployment too has been completed. This time we have deployed 180 companies of para military forces, 30 companies more than as compared to last year,î IGP Jammu informed.

With regard to the challenge being posed by narco-terrorism, he said, ìBeing a border state, narco terrorism has emerged as a big challenge for Jammu and Kashmir. We are fighting not only against terrorism but also against terror-funding routed through narcoticsí trade. We are engaged in a determined fight against this challenge.î

He also appealed to the pilgrims, who will embark on pilgrimage from Jammu, to join the official convoy and move independently. In this connection, an advisory was also issued.

Earlier, on the occasion of International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, IGP Tuti flagged off a drug awareness vehicle. The initiative, led by Jammu Police and district administration, aims to combat drug abuse through widespread public awareness campaigns across the region.

ìThe vehicle will tour city and rural areas, educating people about the dangers of drug addiction, legal consequences, and available rehabilitation services. Interactive sessions, pamphlets, and digital displays will be used to engage communities, with a focus on youth prevention,î IGP Jammu said. He emphasized the need for a united effort between law enforcement and citizens to eradicate the drug menace.

DIG Jammu stressed the importance of community involvement, while SSP Jammu called for parents and teachers to stay vigilant. ADC Jammu reaffirmed the administrationís commitment to expanding de-addiction centres and counseling programmes.

The campaign aligns with the national mission for a drug-free India, promoting healthy lifestyles and alternative activities like sports and arts to deter substance abuse.

DIG Armed, Vinod Kumar; DIG JKS Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma; SSP Jammu, Joginder Singh; ADC Jammu, Ansuya Jamwal; SSP ANTF J&K, Mohd Anwar-ul-Haq; SP Hqrs, Irshad Rather and SP Ops Jammu, Kameshwar Puri were also present on the occasion.