Jammu, March 13: The Northern Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, on Friday visited the Basantgarh hills in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district to review the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorist operations in the militancy-affected mountainous belt.

During the visit, the Army commander was also briefed on the intelligence grid and enhanced security measures in the region.
“Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, Army Commander, Northern Command, visited Basantgarh to review the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorist operations,” Northern Command headquarters said on X.
“Focused deliberations were held on reinforcing the security architecture in coordination with all stakeholders.” Lt Gen Sharma interacted with the troops and commended them for their work towards a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.
Basantgarh in Udhampur district lies along a traditional infiltration route used by Pakistani terrorists who reportedly enter Indian territory through Kathua before moving into the mountainous districts, officials said.
The area shares boundaries with both Kathua and Doda, giving it significant strategic importance. Several encounters between security forces and terrorists have taken place in Basantgarh in recent years, they added.