A terrorist of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) was killed in an encounter with security forces while three of his associates remained trapped in a forest area in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district.
A defence spokesman said the army and police launched a joint search operation in upper reaches of Bihali area of Basantgarh in Udhampur district in the morning about the presence of a group of terrorists.
As the security forces were conducting searches, they established contact with the holed-up terrorists.
“In the ongoing operation by the Indian Army and J&K Police, one terrorist has been neutralised till now. Operation continues,” the defence spokesperson said.
Operation Bihali comes a week ahead of the start of the annual Amarnath Yatra. The Amarnath yatra will start on July 4.
Inspector General of Police, Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti told reporters that contact was established with the terrorists at around 8.30 am.
“They are believed to be four in number and we have been tracking this group for the last one year,” he said.
The IGP said a search operation was going on despite foggy conditions.
Sources said the trapped terrorists are members of the Pakistan-based JeM and were found hiding near Karoor nullah by a joint search party.
Additional security personnel have been rushed to the area and they have tightened the siege to prevent terrorists from escaping the area.
The elite para commandos have also joined the anti-militancy operations.