Doda/Udhampur, Sept 20 (TKG): A soldier was killed in an ongoing encounter between security forces and militants in the upper reaches of Doda district and adjoining Dudu-Basantgarh area of Udhampur district, officials confirmed on Saturday.
The gunfight broke out late Friday night after security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation in the dense forest belt following specific intelligence inputs about militant presence.
According to officials, a joint team of Army, police, and paramilitary forces came under heavy fire from militants, triggering a fierce exchange. One soldier sustained grievous injuries during the initial exchange and later succumbed, officials said, adding that his identity will be disclosed after completion of formalities.
Reinforcements have been rushed to the area, and multiple security layers have been thrown around the encounter site to prevent any escape of militants. Preliminary reports indicate that two to three militants are still trapped in the cordoned zone.
“The sacrifice of the soldier reflects the harsh ground realities of counter-militancy operations in hilly and forested terrains,” one official remarked.
In recent weeks, security forces have intensified anti-militancy drives in Doda and adjoining belts, pointing to signs of renewed militant activity in the higher reaches. The encounter, officials said, is likely to extend further as forces push ahead with the operation.KNT
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