Udhampur
One Indian Army special forces para commando died and two were injured in an intense shootout with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday, two days after the Pahalgam terror strike, sources informed.
The encounter ensued during a search operation conducted by security forces in the region, after receiving information regarding the activity of terrorists.
As per reports, the soldier who sacrificed his life was a para commando from the Indian Army’s elite special forces battalion. The two injured personnel are also from the same battalion.
The martyred soldier was Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF, the Indian Army stated
His unbending spirit and the bravery of his unit will never be forgotten. We stand with the grieving family during this time of sorrow,” the Army stated.
Pahalgam terror attack live: Para commando special forces killed, 2 others hurt in Udhampur encounter
The gunfire occurred in the Dudu-Basantgarh locality in a cordon and search operation, initiated on the basis of inputs that terrorists were present, officials added.
“Based on specific intelligence, a joint action with Jammu and Kashmir Police was initiated today in the Basantgarh sector of Udhampur,” the White Knight Corps posted on X.
Contact was made, and a fierce gun battle broke out, it said.
“One of our bravehearts was seriously injured in the initial firing and later died despite best efforts to save him,” the army added, providing further information.
The operation was still ongoing when the latest reports arrived at the scene, they added. More reinforcements were rushed to the area.
Sources informed HT that the terrorists against whom the operation has been undertaken are said to be members of a group and have entered this side from behind the international border in Hiranagar and had been seen by a couple while they were entering the Dolka forest in near Saniyal village on March 23.
The army operation follows closely on the heels of the 26 April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 died.
Operation search in Poonch, J&K
At the same time, security personnel also cordoned off and initiated a search operation to trace suspected terrorists in the forest regions of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials added.
The search operation is currently underway in the Lasana forest belt of the district after inputs regarding suspected terrorists who are hiding there, PTI reporter,d quoted officials.
Army troops of Romeo Force, police, and CRPF are involved in the operation to pursue terrorists, they added.
