On April 10, 2025, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir resumed extensive search operations in the volatile regions of Udhampur and Kishtwar. This development comes in the wake of brief but intense encounters with terrorists in the Jopher-Marta forests of Udhampur and the Nadagam-Chatroo belt of Kishtwar.
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The renewed operations underscore India’s unwavering stance on counterterrorism and the strategic importance of keeping restive regions under surveillance and control.
Encounters Sparked the Action
The decision to relaunch these operations stems from intelligence inputs that suggested the presence of two to three terrorists hiding in the dense forest zones. On April 9, contact was established between terrorists and security forces in both districts, leading to a brief but fierce exchange of fire.
In Udhampur’s Marta village, a two-hour gunfight forced security forces to impose a night-long cordon and deploy reinforcements. Senior Superintendent of Police Amod Ashok Nagpure confirmed the encounter and stated that the terrain — consisting of steep mountains, dense forest, and riverbeds — poses challenges but the forces remain committed to flushing out any threat.
Tactical Terrain and Operational Challenges
Both Udhampur and Kishtwar are strategically sensitive due to their rugged geography and proximity to infiltration routes. The Jopher-Marta belt is particularly difficult to access, often demanding extensive manpower, aerial surveillance, and ground-level combing operations.
The thick forest cover provides natural camouflage, making it a preferred hiding ground for terrorists attempting to evade security forces. Security personnel are leveraging drones and thermal imaging to track movement across the landscape. These technological reinforcements are expected to aid precision and limit casualties.
A Pattern of Movement and Strategy
This isn’t an isolated incident. The operation is part of a larger, ongoing campaign that began on March 24, 2025, in the Sanyal area of Kathua district. Since then, at least three encounters have taken place. The most significant one occurred on March 27, when two terrorists and four policemen were killed. The pattern suggests increased terrorist movement, likely intended to test the region’s preparedness and disrupt peace.
Officials believe these militants are not confined to one region but are moving strategically between forest corridors, making it crucial for search operations to be continuous, dynamic, and coordinated across districts.
Reinforcement and Inter-agency Coordination
To combat this rising threat, local police forces are working in tandem with the Indian Army, CRPF, and intelligence agencies. Inter-agency coordination has improved dramatically over the past year, leading to faster response times and better area coverage.
The renewed operation involves not just direct engagement, but also preventive strategies—establishing checkpoints, community interaction, and enhanced night patrolling to prevent movement into civilian areas.
Impact on Civilians and Regional Stability
While the operations are essential, they also create anxiety among local residents. Villagers near the encounter sites have been temporarily relocated or advised to stay indoors. Authorities have assured that all measures are being taken to ensure civilian safety while prioritizing neutralization of threats.
Long-term peace in Jammu and Kashmir hinges on both security dominance and public trust. Therefore, these operations also serve a psychological purpose—reassuring locals that they are protected, while sending a strong message to adversaries.
A Wider Implication for National Security
Jammu and Kashmir remains at the forefront of India’s national security priorities. These resumed search operations are not just about neutralizing immediate threats, but also about securing long-term peace and demonstrating India’s zero-tolerance approach to terrorism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently remarked that the “terror ecosystem in J&K is being crippled,” a statement that finds validation in the assertive posture of security forces.
A Critical Phase in the Fight Against Terror
The search operation in Jammu Kashmir Udhampur is a pivotal moment in the larger counterterrorism framework of India. While the terrain remains tough and threats continue to evolve, the relentless pursuit by security forces ensures that the fight against terror remains proactive, adaptive, and uncompromising.
As India watches closely, these operations will serve as a benchmark for strategic enforcement and regional peacekeeping.
By – Jyothi
