Operation Bihali: Encounter Erupts in Udhampur Ahead of Amarnath Yatra; Joint Forces Engage Terrorists

An encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out on June 26 in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation, codenamed ‘Operation Bihali’, was launched jointly by the Indian Army and the Jammu & Kashmir Police, following specific intelligence inputs.

According to a statement from the Indian Army, contact was established with the terrorists during the early hours, and a gunfight ensued. The operation is currently ongoing.

Sharing updates on social media, the Army’s White Knight Corps posted on X:

“Op BIHALI. Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh. Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress.”

Inspector General of Police, Jammu Zone, Bhim Sen Tuti, confirmed the development to reporters, stating, “The encounter started early in the morning, and the operation is going on.”

The encounter comes just days before the commencement of the Amarnath Yatra, a major annual pilgrimage that sees thousands of devotees visiting the holy shrine via two routes — Pahalgam and Baltal. The yatra is scheduled to take place from July 3 to August 8, 2025.

Mock Drill Conducted at Baltal Base Camp

In preparation for the pilgrimage, a joint mock drill was held on June 25 at the Baltal base camp in the Ganderbal district. The exercise aimed to ensure coordinated response and security readiness for the upcoming yatra.

Supervised by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal, the drill saw participation from multiple agencies, including:

• Jammu & Kashmir Police
  
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
  
• State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
  
• 49 Battalion CRPF
  
• Indian Army
  
• Health Department
  

Fire and Emergency Services