By Pravin Kumar
A joint team of security forces on Thursday eliminated one terrorist in an ongoing encounter in the Bihali area of Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The encounter comes just a week ahead of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, set to commence on July 3, 2025, and conclude on August 9, 2025.
The timing of the operation underscores the heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Amarnath cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas. Authorities have deployed a multi-layered security grid, including drones, AI-based facial recognition, and extensive ground personnel to safeguard the pilgrimage.
According to the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, contact was established with the terrorists around 8:30 AM, and the operation continues with reinforcements rushed to the area despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and fog. Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, stated, “The operation is ongoing despite foggy conditions, and we expect a clearer picture once the weather improves.”
Sharing an update in the evening White Knight Corps posted on XIn the ongoing joint operation by #IndianArmy &
@JmuKmrPolice in #Basantgarh, one #terrorist has been neutralized till now. #Operation continues.
Local reports suggest that four Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists, tracked for over a year, are believed to be trapped in the area near Karoor Nallah.
Amarnath Yatra Registrations Dip Post-Pahalgam Attack
In a press conference in Srinagar, on Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed concerns about a decline in registrations for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
Sinha noted that prior to the incident, 2,36,801 pilgrims had registered for the Yatra. However, registrations saw a dip, with a 10.19% drop compared to last year’s record turnout of 5.12 lakh pilgrims, the highest in over a decade.
“After the incident, there was a slight drop, but as of yesterday, over 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their Yatra,” Sinha said, expressing optimism about a rebound. “I hope the numbers will continue to rise in the coming days.” He urged devotees to participate in large numbers, assuring them of robust security arrangements and enhanced facilities by the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB).
Sinha highlighted improvements in infrastructure, including wider Yatra tracks, gentler slopes, and stronger safety handrails along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The SASB has also ensured essential facilities such as lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication, and healthcare for pilgrims. Additionally, Sinha emphasized the importance of pilgrims traveling in private vehicles joining security convoys from Jammu to the base camps for safety.
Security Measures Bolstered Ahead of Yatra
The ongoing Operation Bihali reflects the proactive stance of security forces in countering terror threats, particularly in light of the upcoming Yatra. On Wednesday, a joint mock drill was conducted at the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal, involving the Jammu & Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CRPF, Indian Army, and other agencies to prepare for the pilgrimage. The operation in Basantgarh follows Operation Sindoor in May 2025, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack.
Sinha praised the hospitality of local Kashmiris, noting their “unmatched care and affection” toward pilgrims. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage, with 581 CAPF companies deployed and strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to counter potential threats.
As Operation Bihali progresses, security forces remain on high alert, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
