On April 24, 2025, a soldier was killed in action during an intense encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The exchange of fire took place in the Dudu-Basantgarh region, a high-altitude, dense forested area, which is known for its challenging terrain and natural caves often used by terrorists as hideouts.

According to Indian Army officials, the operation was launched following specific intelligence inputs about the presence of militants in the area. Initial reports suggest that at least two militants have been spotted in the region. The Army is proceeding with caution due to the treacherous landscape, which increases the potential for ambushes and makes military operations extremely difficult. Officials stated that the forest cover and numerous caves in the area offer the terrorists places to hide and evade security forces.

This encounter occurred just two days after the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people were killed and several others were injured. Pahalgam, which is a popular tourist destination, has seen significant security operations since the attack. The terrorists behind the Pahalgam attack were reportedly members of The Resistance Front (TRF), a faction of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror group, and the attack has led to heightened security across the region.

The Udhampur district falls under the jurisdiction of the Indian Army's 9 Corps, while it also overlaps with the operational boundary of the 16 Corps. Security forces have been actively monitoring the region for terrorist movement and have been engaged in constant operations to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel. The encounter site is located in a high-altitude region, which adds to the complexities of the operation. Terrorists often use such regions as safe havens to evade security forces, which makes operations even more challenging.

Earlier this week, on April 22, 2025, the Pahalgam terror attack took place, where 26 individuals, mostly tourists, lost their lives. This attack was one of the deadliest in recent years and marked a significant escalation in terrorist activities in the region. Following the attack, search operations were launched to track down the terrorists responsible for the assault. In response to the attack, security has been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir, with heavily armed security forces and surveillance drones deployed to prevent further acts of violence.

Security forces had also launched a cordon and search operation in Kulgam district on April 23, following reports of militant activity in the Tangmarg area. Gunfire broke out when militants opened fire on the security personnel, leading to an exchange of fire in the district. This encounter in Kulgam marks the second confrontation with terrorists in the region, just days after the deadly Pahalgam attack.

In the wake of these terrorist attacks, Jammu has observed a bandh, with local residents protesting and expressing their outrage over the increasing security threats to civilians and tourists. The Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with the Indian Army, have escalated operations to track down the militants involved in the attacks.

The Indian Army’s vigilance remains high, with continuous efforts to neutralize any remaining terrorist cells operating in the region. This recent encounter highlights the ongoing security challenges that Jammu and Kashmir faces, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. While there has been a steady decline in terrorist activities over the past years, recent events such as the Pahalgam attack and this encounter in Udhampur indicate a rising threat that the security forces are actively combating.

The nation’s resolve to combat terrorism remains unshaken, with Indian Army and security agencies vowing to continue their efforts until the region is fully secure. The families of the fallen soldier have been extended their deepest condolences, and the army has vowed to bring the terrorists to justice. As the situation continues to unfold, security forces remain on high alert, committed to ensuring the safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

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