Udhampur: A soldier was killed in action during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, official sources confirmed.
The gunfight broke out last evening in the Basantgarh area, a strategic mountainous tri-junction linking Udhampur, Doda, and Kathua districts. Security forces launched an intelligence-based operation after receiving inputs about terrorist movement in the area.
The terrorists involved were reportedly trained in jungle warfare, making the operation challenging. Basantgarh has been witnessing frequent face-offs between terrorists and security forces in recent months.
This marks the second major encounter in Jammu and Kashmir within two weeks. Earlier, two soldiers – including a Junior Commissioned Officer – lost their lives in a gun battle in Kulgam, in which two terrorists were also neutralised.
Once considered free of militancy, the Jammu region has seen a surge in terrorist activity over the past four years. In response, the government has strengthened the counter-terrorism grid, deploying thousands of additional troops and paramilitary forces to secure the region.
