Pakistan made an infiltration attempt and ceasefire violation along the Line of Control. Following which a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was killed. The officer was killed during a gunfight with militants amid a terrorist encounter.

The militants were attempting to infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu late on Friday night. The encounter occurred in the forward forest area of Keri Bhattal in the Akhnoor sector. However, vigilant and alert army troops intercepted the group of heavily armed terrorists near a stream.

Army JCO Killed

According to defence officers, as the infiltrators were challenged, they opened fire on the troops. This prompted the Indian army to retaliate with a fierce exchange. Amid the battle, Junior Commissioned Officer Subedar Kuldeep Chand of the 9 PUNJAB regiment sustained critical injuries.

After fighting bravely for the nation, officer Subedar Kuldeep later succumbed to his wounds. Following this, the whole area was immediately cordoned off. The Indian army conducted a large-scale search operation to track down the remaining militants. The army believes more militants are hiding in the dense forest.

Army Pays Tribute to Fallen Soldier

The Indian Army’s White Knight Corps paid tribute to the fallen soldier in a post 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 on the night of 11 Apr 2025. His team’s valour and Sub Kuldeep’s ultimate #sacrifice foiled an #infiltration attempt by #terrorists. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief”.

#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 on the night of 11 Apr… pic.twitter.com/y6MmMcfTN9

— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) April 12, 2025

Ceasefire Under Strain

The recent incident comes just two days after India and Pakistan held a brigade commander-level flag meeting in Poonch. The meeting was conducted to address border management and reduce tensions. However, despite reaffirming the 2021 ceasefire agreement, there has been a recent uptick in ceasefire violations and cross-border infiltration attempts.

In a similar such attempt on February 11, two Army personnel were killed in an attack in the same region, including a captain, and injured another. This happened as the terrorists detonated an improvised explosive device (IED).

Ongoing Anti-Terror Operations in J&K

Meanwhile, in Jammu and Kashmir, anti-terror operations continue. Three terrorists were killed in a joint operation in Kishtwar district. The operation was carried out by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police in the Chhatru forest area. Furthermore, the White Knight Corps confirmed that despite inclement weather, two Pakistani terrorists were neutralized. This follows an initial encounter that killed one militant.

A bunch of arms, including an AK-47 and an M4 rifle, was recovered from the operation site. On April 5, a Pakistani intruder was shot dead by Border Security Force personnel in the R S Pura sector, prompting a flag meeting with the Pakistan Rangers. Similarly, on April 5, a Pakistani intruder was shot dead by Border Security Force personnel in the R S Pura sector. This prompted a flag meeting with the Pakistan Rangers.

India Lodges Protest with Pakistan

Following the rise in such incidents, the Indian Army has formally lodged a strong protest with Pakistan. The decision was made after repeated ceasefire breaches and cross-border terror activities. While the 2021 ceasefire agreement had significantly reduced tensions along the LoC, recent events indicate renewed threats to peace and stability in the region.