In light of escalating security threats along India’s northern frontier, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, the newly appointed Army Commander of the Indian Army’s Northern Command, conducted a significant inspection tour of Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. This visit comes in the wake of the devastating Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians, primarily tourists. Investigations by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have established links between the attack and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan as well as the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
During his field assessment, Lt Gen Sharma evaluated the operational readiness of the troops stationed in the strategically important Pir Panjal range, an area that has recently experienced an uptick in militant infiltration and violent encounters. Notably, a gunfight in Basantgarh on April 24 resulted in the death of one Indian soldier and injuries to two others. Conveying his appreciation for the vigilance and tactical effectiveness of the soldiers, Lt Gen Sharma emphasized the need for an aggressive stance in ongoing counterinsurgency operations while maintaining exemplary professionalism.
The Northern Command, with its headquarters in Udhampur, serves as a crucial frontline force defending India’s northern borders, particularly along the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma’s visit is perceived as a reaffirmation of the Indian Army’s commitment to confronting escalating threats from across the border. Following the Pahalgam attack, a pivotal shift in diplomatic and strategic policy occurred when India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, citing Pakistan’s persistent backing of cross-border terrorism and broader national security concerns.
As part of these intensified operations, the Indian Army is deploying helicopters to assist in combing difficult terrains across the Pir Panjal range, where militants are suspected to be hiding. A temporary lockdown has been instituted in Basantgarh to facilitate the ongoing manhunt. Concurrently, the NIA is diligently analyzing CCTV footage from critical travel routes adjacent to Pahalgam in an effort to trace the assailants’ movements before the attack.
The heightened state of alert and swift mobilization of resources highlights the Indian Army’s unwavering commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and stabilizing the region. The active search and security operations in Basantgarh form part of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy aimed at eliminating safe havens for militants in Jammu and Kashmir.
Amidst rising tensions between India and Pakistan, coupled with international scrutiny over cross-border terrorism, the Northern Command remains resolute in its mission to safeguard national integrity and ensure the safety of civilians. Lt Gen Sharma’s proactive leadership sends a strong message of zero tolerance towards terrorism, emphasizing a focused approach to operational readiness in one of India’s most critical and volatile regions.
