Soldier Killed in Gunfight With Terrorists in Udhampur, Ops Continue
A soldier was killed during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur on Thursday, just two days after the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
According to the Indian Army, a joint operation was launched in Basantgarh, Udhampur, based on specific intelligence inputs. Security forces, including the J&K Police, engaged in a fierce gunfight after establishing contact with terrorists hiding in the region.
“One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts. Operations remain ongoing,” the Army’s White Knight Corps posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The area has been cordoned off and a search operation is underway to flush out any remaining militants.
The encounter comes amid heightened security following the Pahalgam terror attack. Security agencies have released sketches of three suspected terrorists — Asif Fuji, Suleman Shah, and Abu Talha — believed to be behind the massacre.
A reward of Rs 20 lakh has been announced for credible information leading to the arrest of the attackers. Agencies are combing forested terrain where five to six heavily armed militants were last seen.
On Wednesday, Indian forces foiled an infiltration bid in Anantnag district. Two terrorists were gunned down in a firefight, and a large cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.
“Heavy exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists, two terrorists have been eliminated. Infiltration bid foiled in the ongoing operation,” Chinar Corps said in a statement on X.
This week has seen a sudden spike in terror activity in Jammu and Kashmir. On Tuesday, terrorists opened fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, killing 26 — one of the deadliest civilian attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama bombing.
Security has since been ramped up across the Valley, with additional reinforcements sent to sensitive districts and intensified patrolling along the Line of Control (LoC).
Top officials have confirmed that operations will continue until all terrorists involved are neutralized. The Centre has called for an emergency security review with intelligence and military officials to reassess strategy in the region.
