Search operation widened to track down terrorists hiding in forest belt in J&K's Udhampur

Search Operation Widened to Track Down Terrorists Hiding in Forest Belt in J&K's Udhampur

A major security operation has been underway in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, with multiple agencies joining forces to track down three suspected Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists who infiltrated the area and triggered an armed encounter. The search operation, which commenced on December 15, 2025, after the initial encounter in Soan village, has widened to cover a larger area in the forest belt, posing significant challenges for security forces.

According to official accounts, the three suspected militants entered a home in Soan village, Majalta area, on December 15, 2025, demanding food from a local Bakerwal family. The security forces, which had been tipped off about the militants' presence, cordoned the region, leading to an armed encounter that resulted in the martyrdom of a Special Operations Group jawan and injuries to two others. The militants managed to escape into the forested terrain, leaving security forces scrambling to track them down.

Days after the initial encounter, intelligence input indicated that two unidentified terrorists visited the house of Mangtu Ram at Chore Motu village around 6:30 PM on December 20, 2025, and took food before escaping into nearby forest areas. The news has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many residents expressing concerns about the safety of their families in the wake of the encounter.

The search operations, which have been underway since December 17, involve multiple agencies, including the J&K Police, Indian Army, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Special Operations Group personnel. The forces have cordoned off the forest villages and are conducting combing operations to track down the militants. However, security personnel have acknowledged significant difficulties in the search operation due to the densely forested terrain, which provides natural advantages to fleeing militants.

"The terrain is a major challenge for us," said a senior security official, who wished to remain anonymous. "The forest provides natural cover for the militants, making it difficult for us to track them down."

The incidents have also raised concerns about border security vulnerabilities and the ability of militants to infiltrate into civilian areas. The recent infiltration of JeM terrorists suggests ongoing challenges in preventing cross-border militant movements into Jammu and Kashmir.

JeM is a Pakistan-based militant organization that has conducted numerous operations in Jammu and Kashmir. The group's recent activity in the Udhampur district indicates sustained operational capability in the region.

The search operation has also had a significant impact on the local community, with families being approached by armed militants demanding food. The security forces have had to cordone off forest villages, affecting normal life in the region.

As the search operation continues, security forces are working tirelessly to track down the militants. The incident has once again highlighted the scale of the security challenge in remote, forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir, where civilians face potential encounters with armed militants.

The coordinated multi-agency response indicates a heightened security posture in the region, with intensified operations being launched to neutralize the threat. However, the challenge remains significant, and security forces will have to work diligently to track down the militants and bring them to justice.

As the operation unfolds, one thing is clear: the security establishment is committed to safeguarding the lives of civilians and ensuring that the region remains safe from the menace of terrorism. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve nothing less.