In a tragic development from Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, an Indian Army soldier was martyred during a heavy exchange of gunfire with terrorists in the Dudu-Basantgarh area on Thursday, April 24. The operation was initiated following credible intelligence inputs regarding the presence of terrorists in the region.
Encounter in Dudu-Basantgarh: Soldier Killed in Action
According to officials, the firefight broke out during a cordon and search operation conducted jointly by the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Basantgarh. The operation was launched based on specific intelligence indicating the movement of terrorists in the region.
The Army’s White Knight Corps, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the sequence of events:
“Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in Basantgarh, Udhampur. Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts. Operations remain ongoing.”
The encounter led to grievous injuries to one Army jawan during the initial exchange of fire. Despite receiving immediate medical aid, the soldier succumbed to his injuries, marking a loss in the line of duty.
#OpBirliGali
Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with @JmuKmrPolice was launched today in #Basantgarh, #Udhampur.
Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued.
One of our #Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed… pic.twitter.com/eojsj5PPuU— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 24, 2025
Ongoing Counterterrorism Operations in Udhampur and Beyond
Security forces have maintained a high level of alertness and are continuing their operation in the dense forest regions of Udhampur, as they believe more terrorists may still be present in the area. The operation in Basantgarh remains active and ongoing, with joint forces scouring the region for any remaining threats.
This encounter comes in the aftermath of a major terror attack in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, where 26 civilians, mostly tourists, were killed by terrorists just two days prior to the Udhampur incident. Among the deceased were a Navy officer, an Air Force staff member, and an Intelligence Bureau official, marking the attack as one of the deadliest in recent years.
Romeo Force and SOG Operations in Poonch: 10th Day of Anti-Terror Efforts
Simultaneously, a massive counterterrorism operation continues in Poonch district, spearheaded by the Romeo Force of the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG). The search, now in its 10th consecutive day, was launched on April 15 following a gun battle with terrorists on April 14.
Security forces have cordoned off forest areas near Lasana village, which lies along the National Highway between Poonch and Jammu. One security personnel was injured during the initial skirmish. The terrain, marked by dense forests, poses a significant challenge, but operations are being carried out meticulously to flush out any hiding militants.
Heightened Security Measures on Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway
In response to these escalating incidents, the security apparatus across the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway has been reinforced:
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24/7 security checkpoints (nakas) have been set up.
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Vehicle and license checks are being conducted rigorously.
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Loaded trucks are temporarily restricted from passing through the highway to prevent congestion and maintain emergency readiness.
Rajouri Traffic Police Officer Ahmed Din confirmed the enhanced vigilance, stating:
“We are checking local cars by checking their licenses. We are not allowing a loaded truck as it may create a jam. Traffic Police are there, the District Police are there, and the Army is also supporting us. 24/7 nakas are there.”
Pahalgam Terror Attack: One of the Deadliest in Recent Memory
The terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, April 22, has been described as one of the worst acts of violence in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 Pulwama attack, which claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans.
The Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, a popular tourist site, turned into a scene of horror as terrorists opened indiscriminate fire on tourists, leading to the death of 26 individuals. This incident has intensified counterterror operations and reinforced the need for continuous vigilance across the Valley.
A Renewed Phase of Militancy in J&K?
The back-to-back incidents — the Pahalgam massacre and the Udhampur gunfight — highlight a concerning resurgence of terrorist activity in Jammu and Kashmir. With multiple operations underway in Udhampur and Poonch, security forces are working around the clock to neutralize threats and prevent further loss of life.
The martyrdom of a soldier in Udhampur stands as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces in the relentless fight against terrorism. As search operations continue, the region remains on high alert, and the nation watches closely for developments in this evolving security scenario.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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