In a solemn ceremony at the White Knight Corps headquarters in Nagrota, Jammu, the Indian Army honored Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand, a brave soldier from Himachal Pradesh, who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation.
Lance Dafadar Chand, who hailed from Village Gangloh in Tehsil Jhanduta, District Bilaspur, succumbed to injuries sustained during a fierce encounter with terrorists in the Seoj Dhar forests of the Basantgarh sector, located in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The operation commenced during the night of 19–20 September 2025, when the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), launched a cordon-and-search mission following intelligence reports about the presence of heavily armed Pakistani terrorists in the area.
Around 8 p.m. that evening, militants opened indiscriminate fire on the search party, igniting an intense gunbattle that lasted for several hours. During this clash, Lance Dafadar Chand was critically injured and was promptly evacuated to a nearby medical facility. Despite medical intervention, he later succumbed to his injuries, demonstrating unwavering bravery until the end.
The wreath-laying ceremony was significant, led by Major General P.S. Dagar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the White Knight Corps. He placed a wreath on behalf of the Corps and the entire Indian Army, as senior officers, soldiers, and officials paid their respects to the fallen hero. The White Knight Corps expressed their grief in a post on X, stating, “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.”
Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, also extended his heartfelt condolences. He lauded Chand as a “braveheart” whose sacrifice would inspire future 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,” Sinha remarked. He assured that the government and security forces remain steadfast in their efforts to eradicate terrorism and achieve lasting peace in the region.
While ongoing operations continue in the Basantgarh–Seoj Dhar area, security forces have deployed reinforcements to track down the remaining militants. Fortunately, no further casualties among security personnel have been reported, although tensions remain high.
Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand leaves behind his mourning parents and siblings. The Indian Army has pledged to provide complete support to his bereaved family. His sacrifice stands as a profound reminder of the dangers faced daily by armed forces dedicated to safeguarding the nation. As the country honors the memory of yet another hero, the bravery and legacy of Lance Dafadar Chand will undoubtedly inspire generations of Indians to come.
