In a solemn ceremony held this morning at the White Knight Corps headquarters in Nagrota, Jammu, the Indian Army paid heartfelt tributes to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, a valiant soldier from Himachal Pradesh who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
The braveheart, hailing from Village Gangloh in Tehsil Jhanduta, District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, succumbed to injuries sustained during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Seoj Dhar forests of the Basantgarh sector, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Encounter
The operation began on the intervening night of 19–20 September 2025, when the Indian Army, along with the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), launched a cordon-and-search mission after receiving intelligence about the presence of heavily armed Pakistani terrorists.
At around 8 p.m., the hiding militants opened indiscriminate fire on the search party, sparking an intense gunbattle that continued for several hours. Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand was critically injured in the exchange. Despite being evacuated to a nearby medical facility, he later succumbed to his injuries, laying down his life in the line of duty.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
The wreath-laying ceremony was led by Major General P.S. Dagar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, who placed a wreath on behalf of the Corps and the entire Indian Army. Senior officers, soldiers, and officials saluted the indomitable courage of the fallen soldier.
In a post on X, the White Knight Corps expressed grief:
“Supreme Sacrifice. GOC White Knight Corps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice during an ongoing operation at Seoj Dhar, Udhampur, on the night of 19–20 Sep 2025. We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
Condolences and Assurance
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also extended his condolences, hailing Chand as a “braveheart” whose sacrifice will inspire generations.
“Salute to the indomitable courage of braveheart Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation during the anti-terror operation in Udhampur. The grateful nation will forever be indebted to his valour and unwavering commitment to duty,” the LG said.
He reaffirmed that the government and security forces remain committed to eradicating terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in the region.
Ongoing Operations
Security forces continue operations in the Basantgarh–Seoj Dhar area, with reinforcements deployed to track down the remaining militants. So far, no further casualties among security personnel have been reported, though the situation remains tense.
Legacy of Bravery
Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand leaves behind his grieving parents and siblings. The Indian Army has pledged complete support to the bereaved family. His sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the perils faced daily by the armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
The nation mourns the loss of another hero, but his courage and legacy will continue to inspire generations of Indians.
