Jammu: An Indian Army special forces para commando was reportedly killed in action, and two others sustained injuries during a fierce encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district on Thursday. This comes two days after the Pahalgam terror attack, reports citing sources stated.
The gunfight broke out during a search operation launched in the area, following intelligence inputs about the presence of terrorists, reported the Hindustan Times.
The soldier – Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF –who laid down his life was a para commando from the elite special forces unit of the Indian Army, reports stated. The injured personnel were also from the same battalion
“His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,” the Army said, as quoted by HT.
The firing took place in the Dudu-Basantgarh area.
“Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police was launched today in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur,” the White Knight Corps wrote on X.
Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued, the post read further.
“One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite the best medical efforts,” the army mentioned.
The operation was still underway till the time of filing of this report. These terrorists, against whom the operation has been launched, are believed to be part of a larger group. They reportedly infiltrated from across the international border in Hiranagar and was encountered by a couple in the Dolka forest near Saniyal village on March 23.
According to more reports, search operation was also underway at the Lasana forest belt of the district.
