Jammu, Feb 4 — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday expressed concern over fresh militant encounters in Udhampur and Kishtwar, questioning how armed groups were managing to infiltrate regions that had earlier remained free of militancy.
Reacting to the Udhampur gunfight, Abdullah said the pattern of infiltration appeared unbroken despite repeated assurances.
“This cycle continues endlessly. They were eliminated, yes, it is okay — but where did they come from? How did they enter Udhampur? How long have they been operating here, and how long will this continue?” he told reporters.
He said areas including Jammu, Pir Panjal range, Chenab valley and Udhampur were once regarded as relatively secure.
“We were assured this would stop after 2019, yet here we are in 2026 and the incidents persist. In fact, these attacks are now happening in regions that were completely free of militancy before 2014–15,” Abdullah said.
Calling for accountability, the Chief Minister added, “The question is how they reached Udhampur and how long they have been here. We need clear answers.”
Earlier in the day, officials said two militants were killed in a coordinated operation in Udhampur, while another was shot dead during a separate encounter in Chhatroo area of Kishtwar district.