An encounter between security forces and terrorists erupted in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The joint operation, named "Operation Kiya," was launched based on intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the area.

The operation involves troops from CIF Delta, White Knight Corps, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). According to the Indian Army's White Knight Corps, contact was established with the terrorists around 4 PM in the general area of Basantgarh. A cordon was quickly established to prevent the terrorists from escaping, and a firefight ensued.

Reports indicate that the terrorists are believed to be affiliated with the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). Initial reports suggested that two to three terrorists were trapped inside a natural cave in a remote forest area. During the gunfight, one of the terrorists was reportedly hit but managed to retreat into the cave. In response, the Army has inducted paratroopers and a sniffer dog squad to neutralize the terrorists.

The ongoing operation marks the second encounter in the Udhampur district since December 15, when a policeman was killed in Soan village. Udhampur's terrain, bordering Utwa and Doda districts, presents a challenging environment for security forces during counter-militancy operations.

"Operation Kiya" comes amidst heightened security measures in Jammu and Kashmir and ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's scheduled visit to the region. Earlier, the Indian Army had launched a similar operation, 'Operation TRASHI-I,' in Kishtwar's Dolgam village on January 31, where three soldiers were injured. This operation aimed to trap JeM terrorists following an earlier clash on January 18 that resulted in the death of Havildar Gajendra Singh. Joint forces had been tracing the group for 12 days across rugged terrain.

Authorities are maintaining a tight vigil, and operations are continuing in both the Udhampur and Kishtwar areas, addressing concerns about increasing JeM infiltration from Pakistan.