JAMMU, April 9 — Tension gripped parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday after security forces engaged in two separate gunfights with suspected terrorists in the Udhampur and Kishtwar districts, raising alarm over militant movements in the region.
In the Ramnagar area of Udhampur district, security forces launched a combing operation after receiving credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of two to three terrorists in village Jopher. The operation, spearheaded by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, swiftly escalated into an active gunbattle after the terrorists opened fire on the search teams.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Udhampur Amod Ashok Nagpure confirmed that contact was established during a methodical cordon-and-search operation early in the morning. “Based on inputs regarding suspicious movement, SOG Udhampur units were dispatched to the site. During the course of the operation, we came under fire from the suspected militants. Our personnel responded immediately, leading to an exchange of gunfire,” Nagpure said, speaking to reporters.
In anticipation of a protracted engagement, additional reinforcements from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Indian Army were rushed to the scene. The area was swiftly sealed off, with security forces maintaining a strict cordon throughout the day and into the night. The SSP added that the cordon has been reinforced and operations are set to resume with full intensity as daylight returns.
Authorities utilized drones and night-vision surveillance tools to monitor movement in the thickly forested terrain. Helicopter support was kept on standby to assist in tracking down the suspects who are believed to be hiding in a rugged stretch of forested hills bordering the area.
On social media platform ‘X’, the District Police Udhampur posted a brief update: “During a search operation by JKP and other security forces, contact was established with terrorists at village Jopher under the jurisdiction of Police Station Ramnagar in Udhampur. Two to three terrorists are trapped and the firing is going on.”
While the Udhampur operation was underway, another exchange of fire broke out in the Chatroo region of Kishtwar, a remote district known for its difficult topography and history of militant hideouts. Though details from Kishtwar remained scarce by late evening, officials confirmed that security teams had come under attack from armed men believed to be militants attempting to infiltrate or regroup in the area.
A senior security official monitoring the situation in Kishtwar told Samachar Post on condition of anonymity that a quick reaction team (QRT) and local police units were engaged in flushing operations across a wide forest belt. “The terrain in Chatroo is extremely challenging, and the insurgents are likely exploiting these conditions. However, our teams are conducting a systematic sweep to neutralize the threat,” the official said.
There were no immediate reports of casualties from either site, and official sources confirmed that both operations were still underway as of the latest reports available Wednesday night. Mobile internet services were reported to be under review for possible suspension in vulnerable sectors to prevent the spread of misinformation or the use of digital communication by the militants.
These twin encounters mark a notable escalation in militant activity in the Jammu division, a region that has traditionally seen lower levels of violence compared to the Kashmir Valley. Security experts interpret the latest developments as a sign that terrorist groups may be attempting to re-establish routes and sleeper cells in less-guarded territories.
Defence analysts believe this shift could reflect a strategic recalibration by insurgent outfits, seeking to take advantage of forested and mountainous zones like those in Udhampur and Kishtwar. A senior analyst pointed out that “these regions offer the kind of geographic cover that allows militant groups to regroup, evade surveillance, and potentially launch fresh attacks.”
Security agencies are now examining whether these incidents are part of a coordinated plan or isolated infiltrations by smaller groups operating independently. With the Lok Sabha elections approaching, intelligence agencies have been on high alert for any militant attempts to disrupt law and order or intimidate the electorate in sensitive constituencies.
Jammu and Kashmir Police have repeatedly warned of increased efforts by Pakistan-backed terror groups to revive insurgency footprints in the Jammu sector. Recent months have seen a series of recoveries, including arms, ammunition, and narcotics along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC), indicating a sustained push from across the border.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) continues to monitor the evolving security scenario, and central intelligence agencies have been asked to intensify surveillance and information-sharing mechanisms across northern Jammu and Kashmir. Security forces have also been instructed to maintain a state of high operational readiness, especially in areas where terrain poses significant challenges to routine patrols.
While no official claim of responsibility has been made for either attack, sources believe that the presence of militants in these sectors is likely tied to foreign-backed sleeper cells and logistical support networks operating clandestinely. The upcoming days are expected to witness increased combing and sanitization operations, particularly in villages and forest belts along the Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban axis.
As the sun sets over the Himalayan foothills and security personnel maintain their watch over volatile terrains, the dual encounters underline the persisting threat of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, even as efforts to stabilize the region through political and developmental outreach continue.
The presence of militants in the Jammu division, once considered relatively secure, reinforces concerns among both residents and analysts about a changing security dynamic. The back-to-back incidents also highlight the need for proactive intelligence gathering and inter-agency coordination, especially in high-risk zones where dense forest cover and topographical hurdles complicate tactical operations.
The state administration has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information on social media. Local residents have been advised to stay indoors, particularly in areas where operations are ongoing, and to fully cooperate with the deployed forces.
Authorities are expected to issue further updates once the operations conclude or significant developments emerge.
The dual encounters in Udhampur and Kishtwar serve as a stark reminder of the volatile undercurrents that persist in parts of Jammu and Kashmir. While no casualties have been confirmed yet, the active gunfights and deployment of reinforcements point toward a serious threat being confronted by the security apparatus. As operations continue into the night and possibly the coming days, the focus remains on neutralizing the suspects, securing the region, and preventing any further escalation.
