Soldier Martyred in Udhampur Gunfight, JeM Terrorists Cornered; Chinese Hand Grenades Seized in Separate Raids
Udhampur, J&K:
A fierce gunfight broke out in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Friday, leaving one Army soldier martyred and several terrorists believed to be associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) trapped in the ongoing operation. Security forces estimate that three to four militants are cornered in the dense forest area along the Dudu-Basantgarh heights near the Doda-Udhampur border.
The encounter began when joint teams of the Army, Special Operations Group (SOG), and Jammu and Kashmir Police launched a search operation based on precise intelligence inputs. Once contact was established with the militants, a heavy exchange of gunfire followed.
One Army jawan sustained critical injuries in the crossfire and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed despite efforts to save him. His sacrifice adds to the growing list of security personnel who have laid down their lives combating terrorism in the region.
Army Confirms Operation Underway
The Army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the development in a post on X, stating:
“Contact with terrorists established at Doda-Udhampur border. Operation continues.”
The encounter site lies in a rugged and forested belt, making the anti-terror operation particularly challenging for the forces. Security personnel have tightened the cordon to prevent the terrorists from escaping.
A Region on the Boil
The Dudu-Basantgarh area has witnessed heightened militant activity in recent years. The forested terrain offers natural cover to insurgents attempting to infiltrate or regroup.
In June this year, top JeM commander Haider, active in the region for over four years, was neutralized in the same forest belt.
In April, another Army soldier was killed in a gunfight with terrorists hiding in the Basantgarh area.
Officials say the repeated encounters highlight the strategic importance of the region for terrorist outfits, who are trying to re-establish their presence despite sustained counter-terror efforts.
Parallel Raids Uncover Major Weapons Haul
While the encounter was underway, the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Counter-Intelligence unit carried out a series of coordinated raids across seven districts of the Valley — Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag, Kupwara, Handwara, Pulwama, and Shopian.
The searches were linked to a terror crime case, and during the raids, security agencies recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the Poonch sector. Among the seized material were 20 Chinese-made hand grenades, incriminating documents, and several digital devices.
Sources revealed that the consignment had been recently dumped in the sector and was meant to be transported to the hinterland for planned terror operations. The timely intervention prevented what could have been a major strike.
Persistent Challenge for Security Forces
Experts note that terrorist groups have been increasingly relying on cross-border smuggling of weapons, including drones, to sustain their activities. The recovery of Chinese grenades once again points to foreign supply chains aiding terrorism in J&K.
Despite back-to-back encounters, security agencies remain on high alert. Multiple operations have been launched in vulnerable zones to dismantle sleeper cells and prevent militant regrouping.
A Continuing Struggle
The loss of yet another soldier underscores the ongoing human cost of maintaining peace and stability in Jammu and Kashmir. Army officials reiterated their commitment to continue anti-terror operations until the region is free of militant threats.
With one soldier martyred, militants cornered in Udhampur, and a major weapons consignment seized, security forces say the developments reflect both the intensity of the threat and the determination to counter it.
