Jammu, June 26 (UNI) Inspector General of Police Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti today said that a group of four terrorists is believed to be active for the last one year in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

A gunfight erupted between terrorists and security forces this morning in remote village of Basantgarh.

Officials said that acting on tip-off about the movement of terrorists, a joint team of police and Army launched a search operation in the general area of Sazi, near Karoor Nallah in Basantgarh.

"The search party was fired upon by the terrorists, which was retaliated," they said.

IGP Tuti, speaking to media at the sidelines of a function, said an encounter took place between terrorists and security forces in Basantgarh area of ​​Udhampur district of Jammu on Thursday morning.

The IGP also said that J&K Police have made elaborate arrangements for this year's Amarnath Yatra.

Tuti said that the encounter between terrorists and security forces started at around 8:30 am, adding, "the weather in Basantgarh is currently bad and as soon as it improves, the situation will be clear."

The IGP said that for the last one year, police had information about the presence of terrorists with whom contact was established this morning, adding , "this is believed to be a same group of around four terrorists active for the last one year."

On the security of Amarnath Yatra, Jammu Zone IGP said that J&K Police was ready to ensure the safety of every pilgrim.

He said that the number of companies of paramilitary forces provided to the police for the security of Amarnath Yatra this year is much higher than in previous years.

"This year we have been provided with about 30 more companies", he said, adding that this year elaborated security arrangements are in place from Jammu to Lakhanpur with additional deployment of security personnel along the highway.

On advisory for pilgrims, he said that Shri Amarnath Yatra pilgrims who wish to start their Yatra from Jammu are advised to join only the official convoys for a safe and secure journey. They should avoid independent travel.

Meanwhile, Jammu-based White Knight Corps in a post on X said, "Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation was launched by Indian Army and J&K Police in the Bihali area of Basantgarh."

"Contact has been established with terrorists. The operation is currently in progress," the Army said.

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