Operation BIHALI: Indian Security Forces Intensify Efforts to Neutralize Remaining JeM Terrorists

Strategic Insights -

Operation BIHALI, a joint anti-terror operation between the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, entered its second day on June 27, as security forces continued their search and cordon efforts to apprehend or eliminate the remaining three JeM terrorists hiding in the forested region of Basantgarh, Udhampur district. The operation, launched on June 26 after specific intelligence inputs, targeted a group of four JeM terrorists under surveillance for over a year. Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, Army Commander of the Northern Command, commended the #WhiteKnightCorps for their swift and precise action, highlighting the professionalism and coordination displayed by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in ensuring a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation BIHALI, launched on June 26, targets a group of four JeM terrorists under surveillance for over a year, with the goal of neutralizing the remaining three terrorists believed to be hiding in the forested region of Basantgarh.
  • The operation involves a joint search team led by Army Para Commandos, assisted by drones and sniffer dogs, and has reported the elimination of one JeM terrorist, reportedly a top commander codenamed "Maulvi", who infiltrated Indian territory in April 2024.
  • Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma commended the #WhiteKnightCorps for their swift and precise action, highlighting the professionalism and coordination displayed by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police.
  • Bhim Sen Tuti, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu Zone, provided an update on the search operation, stating that reinforcements have been deployed to strengthen the cordon, and forces are working relentlessly to track down the remaining terrorists.
  • The operation is ongoing despite adverse weather conditions, including rain and dense fog, which have reduced visibility.
  • Security measures across the Union Territory have been heightened, with 180 companies of Central police forces deployed to ensure the safety of Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims, scheduled to commence from July 3.

Statistics:

  • One JeM terrorist has been neutralized so far in the operation.
  • Three JeM terrorists remain trapped in the dense forested terrain.
  • The operation was launched after specific intelligence inputs gathered over a year of surveillance.
  • The forested region of Basantgarh covers [insert area in square kilometers].
  • Indian security forces have deployed drones and sniffer dogs to aid in the search operation.

Sources:

  • "Operation BIHALI: Anti-terror operation enters 2nd day". Northlines - Jammu, Jun 27.
  • Contify.com. "Operation BIHALI: Indian Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police Joint Operation Against JeM Terrorists". June 26, 2025.