Amarnath Yatra 2025: Security forces neutralize terrorist in Udhampur amid robust preparations for pilgrimage

Security forces have cordoned off the entire forest belt in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, and reinforcements have been rushed to prevent any attempt by the militants to escape

By
Chandra Maurya
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Security forces have cordoned off the entire forest belt in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, and reinforcements have been rushed to prevent any attempt by the militants to escape
Security forces have cordoned off the entire forest belt in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, and reinforcements have been rushed to prevent any attempt by the militants to escape

Ahead of Amarnath yatra, 1 terrorist killed in anti-terror operation in J&K’s Udhampur

In the run-up to the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir neutralized one terrorist in a fierce encounter in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday. The anti terrorist operation was launched by the Indian Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police following credible intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Bihali area.

According to a statement from the White Knight Corps, contact was established with the terrorists at around 8:30 AM, triggering a gun battle. “One terrorist has been neutralized so far, and the operation is ongoing,” the spokesperson confirmed. At least two other terrorists, believed to be part of the same group, remain trapped in the cordoned-off area as security forces tighten their grip.

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, told reporters in Jammu that reinforcements have been rushed to the site to prevent the terrorists’ escape. The operation follows a pattern of intensified anti-terror activities in the region, particularly after the tragic April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

This is not the first such operation in Basantgarh. On April 24, an elite Para Commando of the Indian Army was killed in action during a similar cordon and search operation in the forested Dudu Basantgarh area.

The terrorist was eliminated just hours after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

Addressing a press conference at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar, LG Sinha expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Yatra.

“All necessary arrangements have been made for hassle-free darshan at the holy cave,” he said, appealing to devotees to participate in large numbers and reinforcing that the spiritual fervor at the base camps remains undeterred.

He also acknowledged the impact of the April 22 Pahalgam attack on pilgrim registrations. “Before April 22, 2,36,801 people had registered. After the incident, there was a slight drop of about 10.19% compared to last year’s 5.12 lakh pilgrims. However, as of yesterday, over 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed their Yatra, and I am hopeful the numbers will continue to rise,” he said.

He also advised pilgrims to avoid independent travel and to move only in escorted convoys from Jammu to the base camps at Baltal and Nunwan. Helicopter services, which typically cater to about 8% of pilgrims, have been suspended this year due to security and logistical concerns.

Infrastructure and facilities enhanced

The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has made significant strides in improving pilgrim-centric facilities over the past two years. LG Sinha highlighted key upgrades, including:

  • Wider tracks: Yatra tracks on both the 48-km Pahalgam route and the 14-km Baltal route have been widened to approximately 12 feet, with the challenging Kalimata stretch on the Pahalgam axis now featuring a gentler slope.
  • Safety enhancements: Stronger safety handrails have been installed along the entire Baltal track and over 20 km of vulnerable stretches on the Pahalgam route.
  • Improved infrastructure: Grid power connectivity has been extended along the Baltal track to the holy cave and from the cave to Panjtarni, with work ongoing for the Pahalgam route. Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800 beds), Nunwan (900 beds), and Pantha Chowk (1,000 beds) have been upgraded.
  • Healthcare and sanitation: 100-bedded hospitals are operational at both axes, with expanded clinical bed capacity at Panjtarni and upper camps. Special focus has been placed on cleanliness and sustainability, with facilities like cloakrooms, e-rickshaws, and prasad counters introduced.
  • Holy Cave upgrades: A stainless steel platform with wood flooring and an additional row now allows simultaneous darshan in four rows, improving access. A canopy over the stairs protects pilgrims from rain, snow, or sun.

Local hospitality and community support

LG Sinha lauded the unparalleled hospitality of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents, particularly Kashmiris, who have long supported the Yatra. “The local people eagerly welcome the pilgrims, and their hospitality is unmatched in the country,” he said, urging the media to highlight this positive aspect. He also emphasized the administration’s coordination with local communities to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience.

Security context and challenges

The timing of Operation Bihali is critical, coming just a week before the Yatra and two months after the Pahalgam attack, which was attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorists. The region has seen heightened anti-terror operations, including Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab, neutralizing over 100 terrorists.

Security forces have intensified cordon and search operations (CASOs), with over two dozen conducted daily in South Kashmir and a strong presence along the Baltal route. A mock drill was successfully conducted on June 25 at the Baltal base camp, involving the Jammu & Kashmir Police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CRPF, Indian Army, Health Department, and Fire and Emergency Services, demonstrating preparedness.

Note:
1. Text in Blue points to additional data on the topic.
2. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of PGurus.

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Chandra Maurya
Chandra Maurya
Chandra Maurya
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