Srinagar, Apr 25: A Para Special Forces commando was killed in a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district on Thursday morning.
The operation came just two days after the devastating terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, South Kashmir, which left 26 civilians dead, including a local pony handler.
Indian Army Spokesman said that acting on specific intelligence inputs, a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police is currently underway in the Basantgarh area of Udhampur district.
“During the intense firefight, Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA SF sustained critical injuries and later made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty,” he said
The spokesman said that entire Indian Army, led by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Army Staff, salutes the unwavering bravery and supreme sacrifice of our braveheart, Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh. His indomitable courage and selfless service will forever remain etched in our hearts.
“The Indian Army remains resolute and steadfast in the fight against terrorism. Every attempt to disrupt peace will be met with decisive force, and the nefarious designs of our adversaries will be defeated,” he said.
The spokesman said that the operation remains ongoing, with reinforcements pressed into service to track down the terrorists believed to be hiding in the area.
The terrain and dense foliage have made the search effort particularly challenging, the spokesman added.
Meanwhile security forces have intensified their operations in Kulgam for the second consecutive day, following a series of intelligence reports suggesting the presence of terrorists in the area.
On Wednesday evening, another encounter erupted between security forces and terrorists in the Tangmarg area of Kulgam district, adding to the ongoing security crackdown.
Officials confirmed that the cordon-and-search operation was launched after credible intelligence inputs pointed to the hiding location of armed terrorists in the region. As forces closed in on the area, the terrorists opened fire, sparking a fierce gunbattle that is still ongoing.
“The terrorists fired upon approaching security forces, and the situation escalated into a full-fledged encounter. Reinforcements have been rushed to the spot to secure the area and prevent the militants from escaping,” he said.
Meanwhile Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander, NorthernCommand and All Ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh who laid down his life in the line of duty in ongoing operation Operation BirliGali in Basantgarh
“We stands firm with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” the spokesman said.
This latest exchange of fire follows a separate encounter in North Kashmir’s Uri sector on Wednesday morning, where two terrorists were neutralized near the Line of Control (LoC). The Army said the terrorists were attempting to infiltrate the Valley through a stream in the Baramulla district when they were spotted.
“Alert troops observed movement near the LoC and challenged the infiltrators. They responded with gunfire, which was swiftly retaliated. Two terrorists were eliminated in the ensuing encounter,” Army said.
Both operations come against the backdrop of heightened terror activity following Tuesday’s Pahalgam terror attack, which has triggered a region-wide security clampdown.
Drone surveillance, intensified search operations, and increased troop deployment have been put in place to prevent further attacks.
LG pays tributes to Jhantu Ali
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid tributes to Army Braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh, who laid down his life for the nation during an anti-terror operation in Udhampur.
“I bow to our army braveheart Hav Jhantu Ali Shaikh who made supreme sacrifice for the nation. His valour and sacrifice will never be forgotten. The entire nation stands firmly with the family of the martyr in this hour of grief,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
