Srinagar, June 26 (KNS): Inspector General of police Jammu Zone Bhim Sen Tuti on Thursday said that an encounter took place in Basantgarh and contact was established around 8:30 am. The search operation is still ongoing.

Talking to reporters, as per the KNS correspondent, he said that the information is absolutely correct. "This morning, contact was established with the militants there. The search operation is still ongoing. The weather in the area is quite bad at the moment," he said.

He added that the encounter is underway in the Bihali area of Basantgarh, and contact has been established with the militants.

"As far as the Amarnath Yatra is concerned, you all know that we conducted a dress rehearsal yesterday.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThere are five districts that form the entire Amarnath Yatra circuit, and all of them are included. Our preparations in all these districts are absolutely solid," he said.

He also stated that all the paramilitary forces have already arrived. "We have deployed approximately 180 companies this time, which is around 20 more than last time."

"As you all know, Jammu and Kashmir is a highly sensitive region. My direct appeal to pilgrims is to join the official convoys and not travel independently. In this regard, we have published collective travel guidelines, and in the coming days, the traffic department will continue to issue advisories and suggestions to the public on this matter," he added. (KNS)