Soldier killed in Udhampur encounter

A soldier of the special forces of the Army was killed on Thursday in an encounter in Basantgarh area of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The deceased has been identified as Havaldar Jhantu Ali Shaikh of 6 PARA special forces.

The forces had launched a joint operation based on specific intelligence, along with the J&K police in Basantgarh area of Udhampur.

"Contact was established and a fierce firefight ensued. One of our bravehearts sustained grievous injuries in the initial exchange and later succumbed despite the best medical efforts," the Army said. The officials said the operation continued till Thursday night. "His indomitable courage and the valour of his team will never be forgotten. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this moment of grief." Lt Gen MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander of Northern Command also paid tributes to the slain army man.