In response to growing security threats along the northern frontier, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the newly appointed Army Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, paid a crucial visit to Basantgarh in Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir. This high-level inspection follows the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians, primarily tourists. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has linked the attack to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist network.
During his field visit, Lt Gen Sharma assessed the operational readiness of troops deployed across the Pir Panjal range—an area that has witnessed a surge in militant infiltration and terrorist encounters in recent months. Notably, a fierce gunfight occurred in Basantgarh on April 24, resulting in the death of one Indian soldier and injuries to two others. Commending the troops for their vigilance and tactical precision, Lt Gen Sharma urged them to maintain an aggressive posture in counterinsurgency operations and uphold the highest standards of professionalism.
The Northern Command, headquartered in Udhampur, holds strategic significance as the frontline force defending India’s northern borders, including the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma’s visit is seen as a reaffirmation of the Army’s resolve to counter growing threats from across the border. In a major diplomatic and strategic shift, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, a day after the Pahalgam attack, citing Pakistan’s continued support for cross-border terrorism and national security concerns.
As part of the intensified operations, the Indian Army has deployed helicopters to assist in combing operations across the rugged terrain of the Pir Panjal range, where militants are believed to have taken refuge. A temporary lockdown was enforced in Basantgarh to aid the manhunt. Simultaneously, the NIA is actively pursuing leads by analyzing CCTV footage from key travel corridors around Pahalgam to trace the attackers’ movements prior to the attack.
The heightened alertness and rapid mobilization of resources underscore the Indian Army’s commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and stabilizing the region. The ongoing search and security operations in Basantgarh are part of a larger counterterrorism strategy aimed at denying militants any safe haven in Jammu and Kashmir.
With rising Indo-Pak tensions and international scrutiny of cross-border terrorism, the Indian Army’s Northern Command remains steadfast in its mission to protect national integrity and ensure civilian safety. Lt Gen Sharma’s proactive leadership signals a clear message of zero tolerance towards terrorism and unwavering focus on operational preparedness in one of India’s most volatile and strategically vital regions.
