Udhampur encounter: Army soldier killed in J&K days after Pahalgam attack

Havildar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the Indian Army, who was killed in an encounter between security forces and militants during a search operation in Udhampur district on Jammu and Kashmir on April 24, 2025. Photo: X/@adgpi via PTI
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One soldier was killed in a firefight with hiding terrorists in the Jammu region’s Udhampur district on Thursday.

A spokesman of the Army’s White Knight Corps said security forces, based on specific intelligence, launched a joint operation with the J&K Police in Basantgarh, Udhampur.

“A contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite best medical efforts,” the Army said.

Also read: Pahalgam terror attack LIVE updates

Multiple operations remain ongoing in the region.

The Army identified the slain soldier as Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of the Army’s 6 PARA. “His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief,” the Army said.

Meanwhile, the administration in north Kashmir’s Kupwara on Thursday issued an advisory and urged the visitors “to obtain prior permission before travelling to the border areas of the district, including Karnah, Keran, Machil, and the Bungus Valley”.