NEW DELHI: An intelligence-based joint operation by the Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is underway in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district after security forces established contact with terrorists on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.The encounter broke out around 4 pm when troops of CIF Delta under the White Knight Corps, along with J&K Police and CRPF personnel, came in contact with the terrorists in the general area of Basantgarh,reported ANI.According to officials, a cordon and search operation (CASO) had been launched following specific intelligence inputs about the movement of unidentified suspects in Johpar-Marta village of Ramnagar tehsil.

The operation escalated into a firefight when the terrorists, believed to be hiding in the forested area, opened fire on the security personnel, prompting retaliation.To prevent any possible escape, additional reinforcements have been rushed to the area, and all exit routes have been sealed. A tight cordon has been established, and the operation remains in progress, officials said.Confirming the development, the White Knight Corps said in a post on X: “Operation Kiya. In an intelligence-based joint Operation, contact has been established with the terrorists by the Troops of CIF Delta, #WhiteKnightCorps, @JmuKmrPolice and #CRPF at around 4 pm today in the general area of Basantgarh. Cordon has been established. Firefight is on. Operation is in progress.”