Security Forces Engage In Intense Encounter With JeM Terrorists In Udhampur’s Jofar Area, 1 Soldier Martyred

Udhampur: An intense encounter broke out between security forces and Jaish‑e‑Mohammad (JeM) terrorists in the Jofar area of Udhampur district on Monday evening. According to officials, a security officer who sustained gunshot injuries during the gun battle succumbed to his wounds. The security forces have launched an intensive search operation in the forest of the Jofar area.

According to reports, acting on precise intelligence, a joint team of the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army and the CRPF moved into the remote forest village around 6 pm. As the forces began a cordon‑and‑search operation, the terrorists opened fire, leading to a fierce firefight that lasted about two hours. During the exchange, a SOG jawan was hit by several bullets and, despite being evacuated, later succumbed to his injuries. 

Search Operation Underway To Neutralise Terrorists

The fallen SOG jawan’s sacrifice has stirred emotion in the nation. The officials believed at least one terrorist was also wounded, though the claim could not be verified. The area has been sealed off, with all escape routes blocked, and a massive search operation is now underway in the dense jungle to track down the terrorists. 

The officials stated that on Monday evening, at around 6 pm, a joint team initiated a combing operation in the small hamlet of Soan in the Majalta belt of Udhampur district. The operation was launched based on precise intelligence pointing to the presence of 3 terrorists linked to the Pakistan‑based JeM outfit. As the security forces entered the forest‑covered village, a brief but intense exchange of fire erupted. In the heat of the battle, a SOG jawan was hit and, despite being evacuated, later died from his wounds. 

Police Inspector General Bhim Sen Tuti stated that the terrorists were believed to belong to Jaish‑e‑Mohammad and that the intelligence had given a clear picture of their movement in the remote area. The IGP added that a small SOG unit was the first to engage the gunmen, but darkness and the steep, treacherous terrain made combing operations extremely difficult.

After the shooting stopped, the entire village and the surrounding forest were placed under a tight cordon. All possible escape routes were sealed, and reinforcements were rushed in to strengthen the search. The anti‑terror operation was called off for the night and will resume at first light on Tuesday, with forces remaining on high alert as they continue to hunt for the terrorists. 

Further details regarding the encounter are awaited.