A brave Indian Army para commando was martyred, and two others were injured during a fierce gunbattle with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday. The gunfight erupted as part of a search operation launched by the security forces based on intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists in the region. This incident comes just days after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.
According to sources, the encounter began in the Dudu-Basantgarh area, a known hotspot for insurgency activity, during a cordon-and-search operation. The terrorists, believed to have infiltrated from across the international border in Hiranagar, were engaged by the security forces following specific intelligence reports.
The para commando who made the ultimate sacrifice was identified as Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, a special forces unit of the Indian Army. “His indomitable courage and the valor of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,” the Army stated in an official release.
The two injured personnel also belong to the same battalion. Despite prompt medical attention, Hav Shaikh succumbed to his injuries from the initial exchange of gunfire. The operation is still ongoing, and additional reinforcements have been deployed to the area.
The White Knight Corps confirmed that a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched in Basantgarh, Udhampur, following inputs about the terrorists’ hideout. “Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued,” the Corps said, adding that one soldier was grievously wounded in the initial exchange.
The operation has led to significant engagement with the terrorists, believed to be part of a larger group that infiltrated the region earlier this year. The group had been encountered in the Dolka forest near Saniyal village on March 23, and security forces have since intensified their operations to eliminate the threat.
This operation comes just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists and resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 people. The latest gunfight in Udhampur underscores the escalating security challenges in the region and the ongoing efforts of Indian security forces to neutralize terrorist cells operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, in Poonch district, security forces have launched another search operation in the Lasana forest belt following reports of suspected terrorists hiding in the area. Troops from the Army’s Romeo Force, along with Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF personnel, are working in tandem to track down the militants. The search operation is ongoing as of the latest reports.
The region remains on high alert as the security forces continue to combat the growing insurgent activity following recent attacks and intelligence reports of more infiltration attempts.
Sources By Agencies
