Indian Army JCO Killed in LoC Clash as Infiltration Bid Foiled in J&K; 2 More Militants Neutralized in Kishtwar
Jammu, April 12, 2025 – A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was killed during an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri-Battal sector near Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir, early Saturday. The Army successfully thwarted the intrusion, but Subedar Kuldeep Chand of 9 Punjab Regiment made the supreme sacrifice while leading the operation.
Meanwhile, security forces neutralized two more militants in Chatroo, Kishtwar, marking the third terrorist killed in the ongoing four-day operation.
Key Details of the LoC Encounter
- Location: Keri Battalion area, Sunderbani (Akhnoor sector)
- Casualty: JCO Subedar Kuldeep Chand critically injured, later succumbed
- Army’s Response: Infiltration bid foiled, search operations continue
- Recent Tensions: Ceasefire violation by Pakistan on April 1 in Krishna Ghati sector
The White Knight Corps (16 Corps) paid tribute to the fallen soldier on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“We salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Subedar Kuldeep Chand. He laid down his life gallantly leading a counter-infiltration op.”
Escalating Tensions: India-Pakistan Brigade Commander Meeting
The infiltration attempt comes just two days after a brigade commander-level flag meeting between India and Pakistan at Chakkan Da Bagh (Poonch) on April 10. Both sides had discussed maintaining LoC sanctity and upholding the 2021 ceasefire agreement.
However, Pakistan has repeatedly violated the truce, including:
- April 1: Unprovoked firing after a mine blast in Krishna Ghati (Poonch)
- March 12: Indian soldier injured in Rajouri’s Nowshera sector
- February 11: IED blast killed Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi in Akhnoor
Kishtwar Anti-Terror Operation: 3 Militants Killed
In a separate operation in Kishtwar’s Chatroo area, security forces eliminated two more Pakistani militants Saturday, recovering:
- 1 AK-47 rifle
- 1 M4 carbine
- Other war-like stores
This brings the total terrorists killed in the operation to three, following an earlier encounter on Friday. The militants are suspected to be foreign terrorists linked to last year’s attacks, including the killing of a JCO and two Village Defence Guards (VDGs) in November 2024.
What’s Next?
- LoC Vigilance: Increased surveillance to prevent further infiltration
- Kishtwar Op Continues: Security forces combing snow-covered forests
- Diplomatic Fallout: India likely to raise ceasefire violations with Pakistan
Conclusion
The bravery of Subedar Kuldeep Chand and the relentless efforts of security forces highlight India’s zero-tolerance policy against cross-border terrorism. As tensions persist, the nation stands united in honoring its martyrs and supporting the armed forces in safeguarding the border.
Stay updated for more developments on this unfolding situation.
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