Encounter breaks out between forces, terrorists in Kishtwar dist

Two days after an encounter in Udhampur, another encounter between security forces and terrorists broke out in the mountainous Kishtwar district.

The operation, code named ‘Keshwan’ started at around 1 pm on Sunday when the security forces launched a search operation based on specific intelligence inputs.

A defence spokesperson said, “Alert troops of White Knight Corps at around 1 pm today, while carrying out an intelligence-based operation in general area of Kishtwar have established contact with terrorists. Fire exchanged with terrorists. Operation is in progress”.

Meanwhile, massive search operations continued in the forest areas of Udhampur and Doda districts of the Jammu region after a soldier was killed during an encounter with ultras on Friday.

The incident occurred in the Seoj Dhar forest, located between the Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur and Bhaderwah in Doda district. Intelligence agencies had been receiving inputs about the presence of ultras in the higher reaches of Basantgarh and Bhaderwah, following which operations were launched.

Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand was hit by bullets on Friday evening when an encounter broke out between the Army and terrorists believed to be Pakistan-based and trained in jungle warfare. There have been numerous instances in the past where terrorists have employed ‘hit-and-run’ tactics—attacking security forces’ search parties before vanishing into the dense forest.

The vast forested areas in the higher reaches of Jammu have become ideal hiding places for ultras who, after infiltrating from Pakistan, receive support from Over Ground Workers (OGWs) to remain concealed.

The joint search operation by the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the police and the Army is ongoing. However, sources said that security forces are advancing cautiously, as the ultras might have set up ambushes in the forest. Sniffer dogs are also assisting the Army in tracking the terrorists who have fled into the dense forest.

Meanwhile, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in Jammu to pay tributes to the deceased soldier.

The White Knight Corps Chief of Staff, Maj Gen PS Dagar, led the ceremony at the Indian Air Force Station, Jammu, honoring Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand. His mortal remains were later flown to his hometown in Himachal Pradesh for the last rites.

In a post on X, the White Knight Corps said, “Honouring the valour of Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, the Chief of Staff, White Knight Corps, laid a wreath in tribute to the braveheart who laid down his life in service of the nation. His supreme sacrifice stands as a beacon of courage and duty, inspiring future generations.”

Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, Shridhar Patil, along with other officials, also attended the ceremony and paid their respects to the fallen soldier.