Army JCO Killed in Ceasefire Violation by Pakistan Along LoC in Jammu
An Indian Army Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) was martyred during an intense encounter with terrorists attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector late Friday night. The incident, which occurred in the Keri Bhattal area, marks yet another ceasefire violation by Pakistan.
Troops patrolling the forested zone near a stream spotted a group of heavily armed terrorists attempting to cross over. Upon being challenged, the infiltrators opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire. Subedar Kuldeep Chand of 9 PUNJAB sustained critical injuries in the clash and later succumbed to them. Additional reinforcements were rushed to the site, and a comprehensive search operation is currently underway to neutralize any remaining threats.
The infiltration bid comes just two days after India and Pakistan held brigade commander-level talks in the Poonch sector aimed at de-escalating tensions and maintaining the ceasefire agreement along the LoC. The timing of the attack has raised fresh concerns about Pakistan’s sincerity in honouring the agreement.
In a related operation, security forces eliminated three Pakistani terrorists in Kishtwar district. Based on intelligence inputs, a joint “search and destroy” operation was launched on April 9 in the Chhatru forest. One terrorist was neutralized in an initial firefight that evening. Despite poor weather conditions, two more were killed in follow-up operations. A cache of war-like stores, including an AK rifle and an M4 carbine, was recovered from the site.
The back-to-back incidents underscore the persistent threat posed by cross-border infiltration and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Army continues to maintain a high level of alertness along the LoC, ensuring swift and strong responses to any hostile actions.
