Jammu, December 17:
In Udhampur, the dense forests and caves of Dudu Basantgarh have become a safe haven for terrorists. Terrorists have been active here for three years and there have been eight encounters with security forces in the last 20 months. Every time, terrorists escape into the jungles after the attack.
On Monday, the terrorists had an encounter with security forces in Soan Martha village of Majlata in the district.
The Army, CRPF, SOG and police have conducted 40 search operations against terrorism in the Basantgarh region in the last 20 months, but no trace of the terrorists could be found. This time, the terrorists chose Majalta of the district.
Defence experts say that for a long time, encounters have been taking place only in Udhampur and Kishtwar districts of Jammu division. It was believed that the security forces had managed to contain the terrorists in a limited area. But Monday’s encounter in Majlata in Udhampur was the opposite.
Now the terrorists have chosen a new location. It seems that the terrorists are well aware of the forests and geographical location of the entire district. They are also adept at living in the forest, crossing rivers and streams and are also getting local help. This is the reason why they have been active in this area for a long time. Despite repeated encounters, they are fleeing by dodging the security forces.
Retired Colonel Sushil Pathania says that the encounter gives a message of terrorist and sleeper cells their presence and the survival of terrorism. Missing in small encounters This has been the pattern of terrorists in encounters from Dudu-Basantgarh to Kishtwar.
