Gunfight Erupts in Udhampur's Basantgarh; Security Heightened Before Amarnath Yatra
Image source via IANS
Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir | June 27, 2025 — A fierce gunfight broke out on Thursday morning between security forces and terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, raising fresh concerns over security in Jammu and Kashmir just days before the Amarnath Yatra begins.
According to official sources, suspicious movement was detected early in the day, prompting a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) by the joint team of security forces.
“The security forces came under heavy automatic gunfire, which was returned, triggering an encounter. Reinforcements have been rushed to the spot,” a senior official confirmed.
The gunfight is still underway, and more details are awaited as the situation develops.
Context: Rising Threats Ahead of Amarnath Yatra 2025
The encounter comes at a time when security across the Union Territory is at its highest level, especially after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 civilians were killed in Baisaran meadow by Pakistan-backed Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists.
The upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 9 (Shravan Purnima), is under the scanner of both security agencies and intelligence networks, as threats of cross-border terrorism remain high.
Massive Security Deployment
To safeguard the pilgrimage route to the Amarnath cave shrine (altitude 3,888 metres), the Centre has deployed additional companies of the BSF, CRPF, and SSB across the region. Security efforts include:
- Mock drills across all Yatra routes held on Wednesday
- Mountain-top dominance operations to deny terrorists access to higher ground
- Transit camps and checkpoints set up on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes
- Round-the-clock surveillance via drones and human intelligence
Base Camps and Routes
The Amarnath Yatra involves two major routes:
- Pahalgam route (traditional and longer): Begins at Nunwan base camp in Anantnag district
- Baltal route (shorter but steeper): Begins at Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district
Transit camps have been strategically established along both routes to house and secure pilgrims during their journey.
Strategic Importance of the Yatra
This year’s Yatra holds strategic significance as it comes in the aftermath of heightened India-Pakistan tensions, including Indian military action against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Ensuring a peaceful and incident-free Yatra is viewed as both a security and symbolic challenge for India’s armed forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“The successful conduct of the Yatra will send a strong message to adversaries and reinforce civilian confidence in the region,” a senior defence official said.
What Happens Next?
- Encounter in Basantgarh remains ongoing as of latest reports.
- Security agencies are monitoring the situation closely.
- Pilgrim movement has not yet begun, as the Yatra officially starts July 3.
The authorities are expected to issue fresh advisories based on developments in Udhampur and other sensitive areas.
As India prepares for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, Thursday’s gunfight in Udhampur serves as a stark reminder of the persistent terror threats facing the region. With strategic deployments, active surveillance, and heightened intelligence efforts, the Indian security apparatus is bracing for a challenging but crucial operation — one that must balance both devotion and defence