Gun shots heard in Basantgarh area of Udhampur, search operation underway

After a face-off between a group of militants and Army, joint forces on Tuesday launched a cordon and search operation in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district.

 Reports said that there was an exchange of fire between soldiers and militants in the Pathi Nella Khanedh Basanth Garh area, after which militants escaped into the dense forest area.

 The militants as per the reports were observed by locals who informed the security agencies.

 After the gunshots heavy reinforcement of joint forces was rushed to the area and a cordon was intensified to nearby areas.

Pertinently, on 28 April this year, a Village Defence Guard (VDG) Muhammad Sharif of Lower Ponar was killed in an exchange of fire during an encounter between police personnel and militants, hiding in Chochru Gala heights in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district. In the same area on 10 July, militants had attacked police post-Sang. However, no loss was reported. (KNT)