Encounter under way in J&K's Udhampur, one soldier killed

NEW DELHI: One Army soldier was killed after massive encounter ensued in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district. As per officials, the soldier suffered grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed to injuries.

"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," White Knight Corps said.


The gunfight comes on the backdrop of the terror attack in J&K's Pahalgam, that resulted in 28 deaths and left many injured.

Meanwhile, the Romeo Force of the Indian Army, alongside the Special Operations Group (SOG), continued their joint operation on Thursday in the forested areas of Lasana in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, marking the 10th consecutive day of efforts to trace terrorists believed to be hiding there.

The operations began on April 15, following an exchange of fire with militants the previous day. The forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting extensive searches through the dense forests. One security personnel was injured in the exchange of fire near Lasana village, located along the National Highway between Poonch and Jammu.

In response to the heightened security situation, authorities have increased vigilance along the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch highway, with traffic police conducting checks on local vehicles. Officer Ahmed Din confirmed that no loaded trucks were being allowed to pass to prevent congestion, with 24/7 checkpoints manned by traffic police, district police, and the Army.


On April 22, terrorists killed 28 people, mostly tourists, in a brutal attack at Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, leaving many others injured. The assault deeply shocked the nation.

In response, India took strong action against Pakistan for its role in supporting cross-border terrorism. At a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India decided to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty until Pakistan ceases its support for terrorism.

India also closed the Attari Check Post immediately, cancelled visas issued under the SAARC Visa Exemption Scheme (SVES), and ordered Pakistan to withdraw its personnel within 48 hours. Additionally, India declared the Defence, Military, Naval, and Air Advisors at the Pakistani High Commission persona non grata, giving them a week to leave.