Army JCO martyred in Akhnoor gunfight; ceasefire violations and counter-terror operations intensify across Jammu
PTC Web Desk: A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army, who was grievously injured in a fierce gunfight near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Akhnoor sector late Friday evening, succumbed to his injuries on Saturday. The gun battle erupted in the Keri Battal area after vigilant Indian troops spotted suspicious movement along the LoC and intercepted a group of heavily armed terrorists attempting infiltration from Pakistan-occupied territory.
During the intense exchange of fire, the JCO sustained critical injuries. Despite swift evacuation and medical attention, he could not be saved. The incident marks yet another sacrifice by the armed forces in their relentless efforts to safeguard national borders.
Just hours after the Akhnoor encounter, Pakistani forces violated the ceasefire in the Poonch sector. At approximately 11:30 pm on April 11, unprovoked firing was reported at the Hathi Post. The Indian Army gave a strong retaliatory response, with the cross-border firing continuing till 12.30 am. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in this skirmish.
Meanwhile, the Indian Army’s high-intensity anti-terror operation in the snow-laden hills of Kishtwar entered its fourth day. Two terrorists were gunned down by security forces on Saturday in rugged high-altitude terrain. One terrorist had already been eliminated on Friday, raising the total count to three. Troops also recovered an AK-47 and an M4 rifle from the slain militants. Security agencies believe more terrorists are still hiding in the region and are being relentlessly pursued by combing teams.
This operation is part of an extended counter-terror drive across the Jammu region. Over the last 19 days, five major encounters have taken place in Kathua, Udhampur, and Kishtwar districts. These confrontations have resulted in the elimination of three terrorists, but have come at a heavy cost—four police personnel have laid down their lives, while three others and a young civilian girl have been injured.
Additionally, on April 1, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in the Poonch sector in a similar bid to facilitate infiltration under the cover of gunfire. In that incident, the Indian Army’s retaliatory action reportedly led to the death of four to five Pakistani soldiers, according to official sources.
- With inputs from agencies
