Soldier Killed in Fierce Gunfight on LoC in Baramulla—Fourth Army Fatality in a Week
An Indian army soldier lost his life on August 13 during a deadly gunfight with militants attempting to cross the Line of Control (LoC) in Baramulla district, north Kashmir. This marks the fourth army fatality in Jammu and Kashmir within just one week, underscoring a sudden spike in militant activity in the region.
The encounter took place in Churunda village, Uri sector, where a group of militants tried to infiltrate from across the border. During the ensuing exchange of fire, the army managed to repel the militants, but tragically, one soldier was killed. Official sources confirmed that combing operations are underway to ensure the area is clear of further threats.
Reports suggested that Pakistan’s Border Action Team may have been involved, and the soldier was killed during a counter-infiltration attempt. These details, however, have not been officially verified. The identity of the fallen soldier has not yet been disclosed.
Earlier in the week, on the night between August 8 and 9, two army personnel—Pritpal Singh and Harminder Singh—were killed in Kulgam district during one of south Kashmir’s longest anti-militancy operations, which lasted about 12 days. Their families have alleged severe hardships during the siege, including five days without food or water, though security officials have not confirmed these claims.
A local militant was also killed in the Kulgam operation, which extended to the forested areas of Anantnag and Shopian before being called off when no further militant movement was detected.
Meanwhile, on August 10, security forces in Kishtwar district (Chenab Valley) engaged in another gunfight with militants in the Dul forest. The army’s White Knight Corps confirmed the encounter on social media, but there have been no updates or reports of fresh firing since.
Additionally, on August 11, Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, a 31-year-old soldier from Telangana, died after slipping and falling during a routine patrol in Baramulla’s Uri sector.
Security agencies have since increased vigilance along the LoC and rest of Jammu & Kashmir to counter further infiltration attempts and militant activity.
Source: Adapted from reporting by The Wire and other regional news agencies.
