Manhunt underway to track 3 JeM terrorists in J&K's Basantgarh region

A massive search operation is underway in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district as security forces hunt for three Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists hiding in the dense forests of the Basantgarh belt. The operation, which resumed early Friday morning (June 27, 2025), comes a day after one JeM terrorist, identified as Haider alias Maulvi from Pakistan, was killed in an encounter with a joint team of the Army and police.

The encounter took place in the remote Bihali area of Basantgarh on Thursday, after a year-long tracking of the four-member terrorist group. Acting on intelligence, the group was cornered near Karoor Nallah, where they were engaged by Army Para Commandos. Drones, sniffer dogs, and reinforcements have now been deployed to tighten the cordon and eliminate the remaining terrorists.

The terrorists had been surviving by moving stealthily through forests and hiding in natural caves, aided by local overground workers (OGWs). So far, five OGWs have been arrested for providing shelter and food. Officials also suspect that a local terrorist who recently returned from Pakistan is helping the group.

Basantgarh, located along a known infiltration route from Pakistan via the International Border in Kathua, is a key transit corridor used by terrorists to reach Doda, Kishtwar, and further into the Kashmir Valley. The area has witnessed multiple encounters and militant activities over the years, underlining its strategic significance in counter-terror operations.