Soldier killed in Seoj Dhar encounter; Operation continues

Jammu, Sep 20: A soldier was killed on Saturday, in an encounter, presently underway in Seoj Dhar forest stretch bordering Udhampur and Doda districts, between the security forces and terrorists. Meanwhile the operation continued for the second day on Saturday though there was no report of contact or exchange of fire during the day. As the encounter site touches two districts, reinforcement was made and strict cordon was put in place with security paraphernalia put on high alert on both the sides. Security grid, officials said, was tightened on and along the National Highway as well.

“Yes, operation is in progress though there was no report of contact today,” said PRO Defence Jammu Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. Meanwhile, the White Knight Corps and all ranks paid tribute to the soldier, who laid down his life in the line of duty.

“GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice during an ongoing operation at Kanji, Udhampur on the night of 19-20 Sep 2025. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” White Knight Corps posted on ‘X’ with the picture of the fallen soldier. According to officials, the soldier identified as Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand sustained grievous injuries during exchange of fire between the joint team of Indian Army and the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the terrorists during the intervening night of September 19 and 20, 2025.

Exchange of fire ensued after the security forces, during a search operation on an intelligence input, established contact with the terrorists in Seoj Dhar stretch late Friday evening. The injured soldier succumbed this morning in the hospital. “On actionable intelligence, contact established with terrorists at Seoj Dhar. Encounter in progress. Joint teams of SOG-JKP and Indian Army on ground,” IGP Jammu had posted on ‘X’ late Friday evening. Earlier, the Army, too, had shared almost a similar post, adding, “Exchange of fire took place. Operations are currently in progress.”