Udhampur: A soldier of the Indian Army has succumbed to injuries sustained during a fierce exchange of fire with terrorists in the dense forested region of Seoj Dhar, located along the Dudu-Basantgarh axis of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district. The operation, a joint effort between the Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, resumed early Saturday following Friday night’s gunfight.
According to official sources, the soldier was critically wounded when terrorists ambushed a search party late on Friday. He was immediately evacuated for medical treatment but could not survive.
Operation Resumes with Enhanced Forces
The area remained under strict security lockdown through the night. Early Saturday morning, reinforcements were mobilized from both Udhampur and Doda, including drones, sniffer dogs, and additional troops, to track down the suspected militants.
Intelligence inputs suggest that two to three heavily armed terrorists are believed to be hiding in the thickly forested terrain, which borders the Doda district and is known for its rugged topography and limited accessibility.
High Alert and Continued Search
Security forces have launched a full-scale combing operation, sweeping the area foot-by-foot. The movement is slow and cautious due to the possibility of landmines or booby traps, a tactic commonly used by infiltrating terrorist groups operating from across the border.
As of the latest update, there has been no renewed contact with the terrorists, but the area remains under a tight cordon, and operations are expected to continue through the weekend.
Recent Spike in Militant Activity
The encounter is part of a broader crackdown on rising militant movement in the Chenab Valley region, which includes Udhampur, Doda, and Kishtwar. Security agencies have recently flagged concerns about increased infiltration attempts and renewed terror activity in these higher reaches ahead of the winter season.
Officials have reiterated their commitment to flushing out remaining terrorist elements and ensuring the safety of civilians in the region.
