Police officer martyred in encounter with terrorists in Udhampur district
Srinagar: A police officer was martyred during an encounter between terrorists and security forces in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Monday evening, officials said. The gunfight broke out in the Majalta area after security agencies received specific intelligence about the presence of terrorists hiding in the region.
Acting on the credible input, joint teams of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army and paramilitary forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the area.
As the security forces tightened the cordon and began searches, the terrorists opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. The forces retaliated immediately, leading to a prolonged encounter.
During the initial exchange, a police personnel sustained critical injuries after being hit by bullets fired by the terrorists. He was evacuated from the encounter site and rushed to a nearby medical facility for emergency treatment.
However, despite the best efforts of doctors, the officer succumbed to his injuries, officials confirmed, describing his death as a major loss to the force.
Following the martyrdom of the police officer, additional reinforcements were rushed to the encounter site to prevent the terrorists from escaping. Security forces further strengthened the cordon and intensified search operations in and around the forested and hilly terrain of Majalta, which is considered challenging due to dense vegetation and limited visibility.
Officials said the operation was still underway late into Monday night, with forces maintaining a tight vigil. The entire area has been sealed off, and strict security arrangements have been put in place to ensure the safety of civilians. Residents have been advised to stay indoors and avoid movement near the encounter site until the operation is concluded.
Senior police and security officials are closely monitoring the situation. The martyrdom of the police officer has once again highlighted the persistent security challenges in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, even as forces continue sustained efforts to neutralise terrorist threats and maintain peace in the region.
Also Read: Mayank Agarwal, Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer play for RCB in IPL 2026
