Army JCO Killed in LoC Encounter in Jammu and Kashmir
In the early hours of April 12, 2025, the Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri Battalion area near Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. During the operation, Subedar Kuldeep Chand, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the 9 Punjab Regiment, sustained critical injuries while confronting armed infiltrators. Despite being evacuated for medical assistance, he succumbed to his injuries.
The 16 Corps of the Indian Army paid tribute to the fallen soldier, acknowledging his bravery and leadership in leading the counter-infiltration operation. His actions exemplified the courage and commitment of Indian forces in protecting the nation’s borders from external threats.
Army JCO Killed
The infiltration attempt comes close on the heels of a brigade commander-level flag meeting between Indian and Pakistani forces at Chakkan Da Bagh in Poonch. The meeting was aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire agreement originally established on February 25, 2021. However, such incidents raise questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of ceasefire commitments.
Earlier this month, Pakistani troops engaged in unprovoked firing along the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch district following a landmine explosion, highlighting a pattern of increasing violations. The Indian Army responded firmly yet with restraint, ensuring that the situation did not escalate further.
Jammu Kashmir Encounter
The incident adds to the mounting list of ceasefire violations and infiltration attempts that continue to disrupt peace in the region. The Indian Army remains on high alert, particularly along sensitive LoC stretches in Jammu and Kashmir, and continues to conduct aggressive surveillance and reconnaissance to prevent future incursions.
Subedar Kuldeep Chand’s sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by Indian soldiers on the frontlines. His bravery reinforces the Indian Army’s resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity, even in the face of persistent cross-border hostilities.
