He laid down his life while gallantly leading a counter-infiltration operation along the LoC in Keri-Battal.

A Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of the Indian Army was martyred in a fierce encounter in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials confirmed on Friday. The encounter, which began late Thursday night, is still ongoing as security forces engage with infiltrators along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri-Battal area of Sunderbani.

According to a statement by the White Knight Corps, the martyred soldier has been identified as Subedar Kuldeep Chand of the 9 Punjab Regiment, who laid down his life while leading a Counter-Infiltration operation.

"General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps 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 Keri-Battal. His team's courage and his sacrifice successfully foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists," the Corps said in a post on X.

The Army also expressed deep condolences to the family of the martyred JCO, saying it stands in solidarity with them during this hour of grief.