A wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu on Friday to honour Havildar J Ali Shaikh, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an encounter with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district.
The encounter broke out on Thursday when security forces launched an operation based on specific intelligence inputs. According to a statement from the Indian Army’s White Knight Corps, “Based on specific intelligence, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir was launched in Basantgarh, Udhampur. Contact was established, and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our Bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite the best medical efforts.”
In continuation of heightened vigilance in the region, security forces launched another search operation on Friday in the Kulnar Bazipora area of Bandipora district. The operation is currently underway, with security forces combing the area for potential threats.
In a related development, a major operation—OP TIKKA—was conducted on April 23 in Baramulla district, where security forces thwarted an infiltration attempt. A heavy exchange of fire led to the elimination of two terrorists, and a significant cache of weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores was recovered. The operation remains in progress.
Amid these ongoing developments, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is set to visit Srinagar to assess the current security situation in the Kashmir Valley following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 people, including one Nepali national.
Defence officials confirmed that the Army Chief will meet senior Army commanders and officials from other security agencies to review ground-level reports. The agenda includes evaluating the valley’s overall security environment and examining any attempts by the Pakistan Army to violate the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC).
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army remains on high alert, launching extensive operations to neutralise threats. The attack has triggered nationwide outrage, with citizens and leaders demanding firm action against Pakistan for harbouring and facilitating terrorism.
India continues to ramp up its counterterrorism operations, reaffirming its resolve to protect national security and honour the sacrifices of its soldiers.