Jammu, Jun 27 (KNO): The anti-terror operation BIHALI, which resulted in the killing of a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist in the forested region of Basantgarh, Udhampur district, has entered its second day. Security forces have intensified their search and cordon efforts to apprehend or eliminate remaining terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.
Launched after specific intelligence inputs, the operation targeted a group of four JeM terrorists under surveillance for over a year. The ongoing operation aims to neutralise the remaining three terrorists, who are believed to be trapped within the dense forested terrain.
As reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Northern Command, commended the #WhiteKnightCorps for their swift and precise action. He said, “The professionalism and coordination displayed by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Operation BIHALI exemplify our unwavering commitment to ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. The Northern Command remains dedicated to safeguarding the region and maintaining peace.”
The operation was launched early on June 26 when a joint search team, led by Army Para Commandos, established contact with terrorists near Karoor Nallah in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Despite adverse weather conditions, including rain and dense fog, security forces engaged the terrorists, resulting in the elimination of one JeM terrorist, reportedly a top commander codenamed “Maulvi”. This terrorist had infiltrated Indian territory in April 2024 and was allegedly orchestrating terror activities in the region.
Bhim Sen Tuti, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, provided an update: “The search operation to track down the remaining three JeM terrorists is ongoing, aided by drones and sniffer dogs. Reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen the cordon, and despite poor visibility due to fog, our forces are working relentlessly. We expect clarity as weather conditions improve.”
On Thursday, the Army’s White Knight Corps shared an update on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Op BIHALI Update: In the ongoing joint operation by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in Basantgarh, one terrorist has been neutralized so far. The operation continues.”
Security measures across the Union Territory have been heightened, with 180 companies of Central police forces deployed to ensure the safety of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims, scheduled to commence from July 3—(KNO)