Key Highlights
- Indian Army JCO Kuldeep Chand martyred in a counter-infiltration operation in Jammu’s Akhnoor sector.
- Over 200 heavily armed militants attempted infiltration near the Keri Bhattal area late Friday night.
- Seven flights canceled and 25 diverted due to operational disruptions caused by the encounter.
- The incident follows recent India-Pakistan flag meetings aimed at de-escalating border tensions.
Jammu and Kashmir: In a fierce encounter along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Kuldeep Chand of the Indian Army laid down his life while thwarting an infiltration attempt by heavily armed militants. The incident occurred late Friday night in the Keri Bhattal area, where alert army troops noticed suspicious movement near a stream in the forward forest setting.
Upon confrontation, the militants engaged in a gunfight with the troops, leading to intense combat. JCO Kuldeep Chand sustained critical injuries during the operation and later succumbed to them. The Indian Army cordoned off the area, initiating a search operation to locate any hiding militants.
Tributes Pour In for Braveheart JCO
The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army paid heartfelt tributes to Subedar Kuldeep Chand on social media platform X, stating: “#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of #Braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand of 9 PUNJAB. He laid down his life while gallantly leading a #CounterInfiltration operation along the #LineofControl in the #Keri-#Battal area of #Sunderbani.”
Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander Northern Command, also expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, saluting Kuldeep Chand’s valor and dedication to duty.
A Region Under Siege: Recent Incidents Along LoC
The Akhnoor sector has witnessed heightened activity in recent months:
- On February 11, two Army personnel, including Captain Karamjit Singh Bakshi, were killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack planted by militants.
- Several incidents of cross-border firing and sniper attacks have been reported this year, despite India and Pakistan reaffirming their ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021.
India-Pakistan Flag Meetings: A Fragile Attempt at Peace
The latest infiltration attempt comes just two days after India and Pakistan held brigade commander-level flag meetings at Chakkan Da Bagh crossing point in Poonch district. These meetings aimed to address issues related to border management and de-escalate tensions following recent incidents of cross-border firing and IED explosions.
While both sides reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace along the LoC, Pakistani forces have been accused of ceasefire violations. On April 1, an unprovoked mine explosion occurred in Krishna Ghati sector, further straining relations between the two nations.
Challenges Ahead for Border Security
Despite efforts to uphold peace agreements, infiltration attempts and ceasefire violations remain persistent challenges for Indian forces along the LoC. The Indian Army continues to maintain high alertness and dominance over the border areas while leveraging established communication channels like hotline contacts and flag meetings to address conflicts.
Conclusion: Honoring Sacrifice Amid Ongoing Tensions
The martyrdom of JCO Kuldeep Chand highlights the relentless efforts of Indian soldiers in safeguarding national security against cross-border threats. As search operations continue in Akhnoor’s Keri Bhattal area, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel to protect India’s sovereignty.
While diplomatic efforts between India and Pakistan aim to ease tensions along the LoC, incidents like these underscore the need for robust counter-infiltration measures and sustained vigilance.
