Udhampur

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday raised serious questions following the killing of two terrorists in a joint security operation in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, asking how such incidents continue years after assurances of normalcy.

His comments came as the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force carried out a cordon-and-search operation in the Jophar Ramnagar region.

Reacting to the encounter, Abdullah said the repeated cycle of violence demanded answers. While acknowledging the neutralisation of the militants, he questioned how they managed to reach the area and remain undetected. “They were killed, that is fine. But where did they come from? How did they reach Udhampur? How long were they operating here, and how long will this keep happening?” he asked.

The Chief Minister pointed out that it had been claimed such incidents would end after 2019, but the situation in 2026 suggests otherwise. He noted that militant activity is now being reported from regions that were previously free of terrorism. “These are areas where there was no terrorism before 2014–15. How did they get here, and for how long have they been present? These are questions that need clear answers,” Abdullah said.

According to police officials, the two terrorists were eliminated during an intelligence-led joint operation in the Basantgarh area.

Commenting on the proposed visit of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the Union Territory, Abdullah said he intends to raise multiple concerns directly with him. “We will sit together and discuss these issues face-to-face,” he said.

Separately, addressing concerns over the rising number of cancer cases, the Chief Minister acknowledged the growing challenge and outlined the government’s priorities. He said the administration must invest in research, strengthen healthcare infrastructure and ensure the effective functioning of the state cancer institute.

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Abdullah also noted that cancer treatment remains unaffordable for many economically weaker patients and said the government is considering a special assistance package, details of which will be announced at a later stage.