Operation Bihali: JeM terrorist killed in Basantgarh encounter

Jammu: A terrorist of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) outfit being tracked for past one year was killed in an encounter with security forces on Thursday, while three of his aides remained trapped in a forest area in Udhampur District, officials said.
“The group of four terrorists was being tracked for a year. They were confronted by a joint search party of the army and police in the remote Bihali area of Basantgarh in the morning,” the officials said, adding that reinforcements were rushed in and a massive search operation was launched despite inclement weather.
The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, based in Nagrota, wrote on X:
“Op BIHALI Update: In the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy & @JmuKmrPolice in #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralized till now. #Operation continues.”
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Range, Bhim Sen Tuti, provided further details, emphasizing the meticulous tracking of the terrorist group.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “Contact was established with the terrorists 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 added that the operation is ongoing despite adverse weather conditions, with reinforcements deployed to ensure the remaining terrorists are neutralized.”
According to sources, the neutralized terrorist, reportedly a top JeM commander codenamed “Maulvi,” had infiltrated into Indian territory in April 2024 and was active in the region, orchestrating multiple terror activities. “The group’s presence had been under surveillance for nearly a year,” they added.