Jammu and Kashmir encounter: Soldier martyred in gunfight with terrorists in Udhampur's Basantgarh

At least 26 people were killed in Pahalgam on Tuesday

An Indian Army personnel was martyred after an encounter broke out between security forces and suspected terrorists following a search operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district on Thursday.

The firing took place in the Dudu-Basantgarh area during a cordon and search operation launched based on information about the presence of terrorists, officials said.

Indian Army's White Knight Corps said in a post on X, "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. One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite the best medical efforts. Operations remain ongoing."

The encounter broke out two days after 26 people were killed as terrorists opened fire on tourists at a resort in Pahalgam.

In addition to this, the Indian Army troops deployed at a forward post in Mendhar, Poonch, also opened fire on Wednesday night after detecting suspicious movement along the Line of Control (LoC). Defence sources informed that the movement was challenged by a sentry on duty, prompting immediate action to prevent any potential infiltration attempt.