Two days after India and Pakistan armies held a Brigade Commander-level flag meeting in Poonch, a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Subedar Kuldeep Chand was killed as the Indian Army thwarted an infiltration attempt from across the LoC in J&K’s Keri Battalion area near Akhnoor in the early hours of Saturday.
The White Knight Corps, also known as XVI Corps, posted on X, “GOC (General Officer Commanding) White Knight Corps (Lt Gen P K Mishra) and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand of 9 PUNJAB. He laid down his life while gallantly leading a counter-infiltration operation along the LoC 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.”
Subedar Kuldeep Chand of the 9-Punjab was a resident of Himachal Pradesh’s Kohalwin near Nadaun in Hamirpur district.
His father, Rattan Chand (86), who had also retired from 9-Punjab in 1977, said, “Kuldeep Chand was my eldest son… After completing his 10+2, he was selected in the Army as a soldier in 1996. He also got a chance to serve in the 9-Punjab, where I had previously served…”
The family members said his mortal remains will arrive in the village on Sunday. Kuldeep is survived by wife Santosh Kumari and children Aryan and Diksha.
“When I came to know that Kuldeep was selected for 9-Punjab, I urged a Brigade Commander-rank officer to send him to another wing, but the officer told me he wanted my son to be in 9-Punjab,” Rattan Chand said.
A wreath-laying ceremony for Subedar Kuldeep Chand was held at military garrison Tanda in Jammu’s Akhnoor Saturday afternoon and his mortal remains were despatched to his family in Himachal Pradesh.
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J&K L-G Manoj Sinha said, “I salute the supreme sacrifice of our Army braveheart Sub Kuldeep Chand who laid down his life in the line of duty…”
Expressing deep grief, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu posted on X, “… His unforgettable contribution in the service…will always be remembered with respect and honour.”
Indian Army’s ADGPI posted on X that the Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi and the Indian Army salute the sacrifice of the braveheart.
Two more militants killed in Kishtwar ops
Two militants were killed in an ongoing operation by security forces and the police in Chatroo area of J&K’s Kishtwar district, the Army said Saturday. One militant was neutralised Friday.
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The troops launched a joint operation on April 9 and continued their search for militants.
“In the ongoing operations at #Chhatru, Kishtwar, despite bad and inclement weather, two more Pakistani terrorists have been eliminated,” the Army posted on X. “A large quantity of war like stores including One AK and One M4 rifle were recovered…”
DIG for Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban range Shridhar Patil said their operation will continue until the last militant in the area was neutralized. Commander 5 Sector 11 Assam Rifles Brigadier JBS Rathi praised the security forces and the police for “great tactical acumen and swiftness” and ensuring zero casualty on their side during the operation.
While Brigadier Rathi and DIG Patil said the identities of the militants were yet to be ascertained, sources said they appear to be the same group responsible for attacks in the area last year.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd