By Sufiyan Khan 
Jaish Terrorist Killed in J&K Encounter Ahead of Amarnath Yatra: Operation Continues in Basantgarh
Jaish Terrorist Killed in Basantgarh Encounter
A Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorist was killed in a fierce gunfight with security forces in the rain-drenched forests of Basantgarh, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur districtJaish Terrorist Killed. The joint operation, conducted by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, continues to track three other terrorists still trapped in the area.
The Jaish Terrorist Killed gunned down was believed to be part of a group monitored by intelligence agencies for over a year. Inspector General of the Jammu range, Bhim Sen Tuti, stated that weather conditions in the Basantgarh area are currently hampering visibility and movement, but operations will intensify once the skies clear.
How the Operation Unfolded
Based on credible intelligence inputs, the Army and local police launched a targeted seek-and-destroy operation in the remote Bihali area. As the forces closed in, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a retaliatory response that led to the killing of one Jaish terrorist. According to senior officials, the dense forest and continuous rain made the terrain challenging, but also restricted the movement of the trapped terrorists.
To prevent any escape, additional security forces were deployed to cordon off the area, effectively sealing all exit routes. The combing operation is being conducted with the support of drones and sniffer dogs.
Terrorists Using Dense Forests and Natural Caves
Sources revealed that the Jaish terrorist group had been using natural caves and thick foliage to remain undetected. Five over-ground workers (OGWs), who were helping the terrorists with logistics and shelter, have been arrested over the past few months in this region.
The slain Jaish terrorist was identified as “Haider,” a code-named Maulvi from Pakistan. He and his associates had infiltrated through the International Border in Kathua and made their way into the higher reaches of Udhampur, traditionally used as infiltration routes toward Doda and Kishtwar, eventually reaching the Kashmir Valley.
Security Tightened Ahead of Amarnath Yatra
With the annual Amarnath Yatra scheduled from July 3 to August 9, authorities are on high alert. Inspector General Tuti assured that Jammu and Kashmir Police are fully prepared to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Around 30 additional companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed across sensitive routes.
He further urged all pilgrims to travel only in designated convoys and avoid independent travel for their safety.
Encounter in Context: Heightened Security Measures
The killing of the Jaish terrorist has heightened security measures across the region. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned to prevent any infiltration attempt or terror strike ahead of the yatra.
White Knight Corps, a division of the Indian Army, confirmed via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the operation is ongoing and the focus remains on neutralizing the remaining terrorists.
Ongoing Search Operation in Forested Terrain
As of Friday morning, June 27, 2025, the operation in Basantgarh’s Bihali region resumed with renewed intensity. The area is now under tighter surveillance with fresh reinforcements joining the operation.
The search teams have been combing Karoor Nallah, where the four-member terror group was initially confronted. The joint task force, which includes elite Para Commandos, continues to engage in search-and-engage tactics to neutralize the remaining threats.
Local Support and Terror Network
Officials believe that a local terrorist who returned from Pakistan is aiding the group, providing crucial support for their movement through the region. This highlights the presence of sleeper cells and continued support for terrorist outfits like Jaish-e-Mohammad within certain networks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Basantgarh has a history of being a vulnerable corridor for infiltration from Pakistan. The forested and mountainous terrain allows small terror groups to hide and move strategically while evading detection.
Community Response and Ground Situation
While the encounter has created a sense of unease among residents, the local population is cooperating with security forces. Despite the fear, there is a visible trust in the efforts of the Army and police to restore peace and neutralize threats swiftly.
Significance of the Operation
The elimination of a Jaish terrorist just days ahead of the Amarnath Yatra sends a strong message about the preparedness of Indian security agencies. With three more terrorists still at large, the success of this ongoing operation remains critical in maintaining regional security.
Security analysts see this operation as a proactive step in dismantling Jaish-e-Mohammad’s infiltration efforts and limiting their capacity to execute attacks during high-profile events.
Conclusion: Vigilance Remains High
As the operation in Basantgarh continues, the focus remains on eliminating all remaining threats posed by the Jaish-e-Mohammad group Jaish Terrorist Killed. With increased troop deployment and advanced surveillance tools in place, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure that peace and security prevail, especially ahead of the spiritually significant Amarnath Yatra.
Read more: Muharram 2025