Soldier Martyred in Udhampur Encounter; Multiple Counter-Terror Operations Unfold Across J&K

 Jammu & Kashmir, April 24 – An Indian Army soldier was martyred following an encounter with terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, marking a continuation of heightened militant activity in the region. The incident occurred just two days after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam.

According to official sources, the soldier sustained injuries during the initial exchange of fire and later succumbed to his wounds. The encounter took place shortly after the recent Pahalgam attack, where 26 civilians — including 25 Indian nationals and one Nepali tourist — lost their lives in a brutal assault by terrorists affiliated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The assailants opened indiscriminate fire at tourists in the Baisaran Valley, a popular destination in South Kashmir.

Meanwhile, in a separate development along the Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar sector of Poonch district, troops stationed at a forward post opened fire late Wednesday night after observing suspicious movement. Defence sources confirmed that the alert sentry acted swiftly to challenge the suspected infiltrators, thereby averting a potential breach of the LoC.

In yet another counter-terror operation, Indian Army units successfully foiled an infiltration attempt in the Baramulla district. Two terrorists were neutralized during the operation. The troops recovered two assault rifles, substantial quantities of ammunition, and other war-like stores from the site. Additional recoveries included pistols, rounds of ammunition, and an improvised explosive device (IED).

Security forces remain on high alert across Jammu & Kashmir as counter-insurgency operations intensify in the wake of recent incidents.