Udhampur: Security forces and terrorists engaged in an exchange of fire in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur on Thursday. The encounter broke out as the security forces carried out a cordon and search operation in the jungles of the area. According to a report in India TV, the encounter is going on in the Dudu-Basantgarh region of the district.
The area is known to have treacherous terrain and thick jungle cover. The area falls under the jurisdiction of Army’s 9 Corps. According to reports, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs. At least 2 to 3 terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area.
The security forces have to move with caution given the challenging topography of the region. The operation is being carried out in an area with numerous caves and thick forests, which are often used by terrorists as a hideout. According to latest reports, 1 soldier has been killed in the attack.
Pahalgam attack
The encounter in Udhampur comes days after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in Pahalgam by armed terrorists. The attack sent shockwaves across the nation, especially among the tourism industry in the region.
Following the attack on the tourist spot, there has been a mass exodus of tourists from Pahalgam. Hotels and roads wore a deserted look. The attack on the tourists is one of the biggest terror attacks in the Valley after the abrogation of Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The attack led to India downgrading diplomatic ties with Pakistan and also closing the Attari border.
