From Kishtwar to Udhampur: Twin Encounters Expose Terror Push in Jammu Region

Encounter in Udhampur: Soldier Injured, Operation Underway as Security Forces Engage Terrorists An intense encounter broke out between security forces and terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Friday, leaving an army soldier injured. The soldier, who sustained bullet injuries during the gunfight, was immediately shifted to the Command Hospital for treatment. The encounter, which began late Friday evening, continued through the night and was still underway by Saturday morning in the dense Seoj Dhar forest region of Udhampur.

According to officials, two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped in the area. Security forces had launched a cordon and search operation after receiving credible intelligence inputs about the movement of militants along the Doda-Udhampur belt. As the troops advanced towards the suspected hideout, heavy firing was reported, triggering a fierce gun battle.

The region has been tense over the past several weeks due to repeated attempts by militant groups to infiltrate and disrupt peace. Friday’s encounter in Udhampur came just hours after a similar intelligence-based operation in Kishtwar district, where troops had also established contact with terrorists. That operation began at around 8 pm, and an exchange of gunfire was reported in the hilly terrain. While no casualties were immediately reported in Kishtwar, the continuous firing indicated the presence of heavily armed terrorists in the region.

By 11 pm, security forces confirmed that fresh contact had been made with terrorists in Seoj Dhar, Udhampur, and a joint team of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police had launched coordinated action. Officials described the operation as “challenging” due to the difficult forest terrain, poor visibility at night, and the possibility of terrorists trying to escape towards adjoining districts. Additional reinforcements were rushed to the spot to block all potential escape routes.

The incident highlights the renewed focus of militant outfits on reviving their activities in Jammu region, which in the past was relatively less affected compared to the Kashmir valley. Security experts believe that these encounters are part of a larger strategy by terror groups to spread violence and target forces at multiple points, particularly in border and hilly districts such as Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, and Udhampur.

This latest clash also comes against the backdrop of a deadly encounter in south Kashmir’s Kulgam earlier this month. On September 8, two army personnel sustained critical injuries while battling terrorists in Kulgam. Despite being rushed to the hospital, both soldiers later succumbed to their injuries. Their sacrifice was deeply mourned, and tributes poured in for their bravery and dedication to duty. Officials said that their courage will continue to inspire the force as it takes on new challenges in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

The back-to-back encounters in Kulgam, Kishtwar, and now Udhampur point towards a pattern of heightened militant activity in Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have intensified counter-terror operations in response, relying heavily on human intelligence, drone surveillance, and coordinated ground action. Officials have also warned that terrorists might attempt to exploit the thick forests and hilly terrains to their advantage, but stressed that forces remain alert to foil any such attempts.

As of the latest reports, the Udhampur encounter was still in progress with intermittent firing continuing in the Seoj Dhar area. The injured soldier is said to be stable, and security forces have maintained a strict cordon to prevent any escape of the trapped militants. Residents in nearby villages have been advised to stay indoors until the operation concludes.

The developments underscore the continuing challenges faced by security forces in maintaining peace in the Union Territory. With multiple encounters unfolding within a short span of time, the forces remain on high alert, determined to neutralize the threats and ensure that the sacrifices of fallen soldiers serve as a reminder of their unwavering commitment to the nation

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