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Jammu on high alert after Udhampur encounter

Massive hunt launched for terrorists, policeman attains martyrdom

Sanjay Pandita
Early Times Report

Jammu, Dec 16: An alert has been sounded across the entire Jammu region following Monday evening’s encounter in Majalta tehsil of Udhampur district, in which a Special Operations Group (SOG) jawan of the Jammu and Kashmir Police attained martyrdom.
The martyred jawan, identified as Amjad Ali Khan, was accorded a solemn tribute at the District Police Lines (DPL), Udhampur. Senior police and administrative officials, led by Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti, paid floral tributes, while the bereaved family members of the martyr were present at the memorial service.
Meanwhile, security forces have intensified search and cordon operations to track down the terrorists who fled into dense forests following the encounter in Sohan village of the Majalta police station area. Contact with the terrorists has not yet been re-established. In the aftermath of the encounter, the entire region has been placed on high alert.
According to officials, the terrorists managed to escape under the cover of darkness, taking advantage of the rugged terrain and thick forest cover. Soon after the exchange of fire, security forces cordoned off the area and rushed additional reinforcements from the district headquarters. However, it remains unclear whether the terrorists are still trapped within the cordon or have managed to move deeper into the forested hills.
Despite the challenging terrain, security forces are carrying out intensive combing operations with heightened vigilance. Potential escape routes are being closely monitored, while drones and helicopters have been pressed into service to scan the difficult and densely forested areas. So far, no fresh contact with the terrorists has been reported.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the tribute ceremony, IGP Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti said that based on specific intelligence inputs, the presence of three terrorists was reported in Sohan village on Monday. Acting on this information, a small SOG team launched a search operation, during which the terrorists opened fire, triggering an encounter.
The IGP said that SOG jawan Amjad Ali Khan, a resident of Mendhar in Poonch district, sustained critical injuries during the exchange of fire and later succumbed due to excessive bleeding. Following the initial encounter, the terrorists managed to flee into the dense jungle.
“The area is mountainous and heavily forested, which makes operations challenging. Nevertheless, security forces are continuing sustained search and cordon operations to track down and neutralise the terrorists,” the IGP said.
Security agencies have reiterated their resolve to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, while the sacrifice of the martyred jawan has been hailed as a testament to the courage and commitment of the J&K Police in maintaining peace and security in the region.