More than a year after Indian forces struck terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, the central government has officially released the names of six military personnel who lost their lives during Operation Sindoor. It is the first time the identities of the fallen have been made public.

The six martyrs are Subedar Major Pawan Kumar, Rifleman Sunil Kumar, Lance Naik Dinesh Kumar, Agniveer Mood Murli Naik, Havildar Sunil Kumar Singh, and Sergeant Surendra Kumar. Five belonged to the Army; Sergeant Surendra Kumar was from the Indian Air Force.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 civilians were killed. The Indian Armed Forces carried out precision strikes on nine terror facilities linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan and PoK — the most significant cross-border military action India had undertaken in years.

The targets hit included the Sawai Nala training centre in Muzaffarabad, where terrorists responsible for the Sonamarg, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam attacks had trained; the Syedna Bilal Camp, also in Muzaffarabad, used for weapons and jungle survival training; and the Gulpur Camp in Kotli, linked to the 2023 Poonch pilgrim attack. Strikes also hit Abbas Camp in Kotli — a fidayeen training facility just 13 kilometres from the Line of Control — Barnala Camp in Bhimber, and Sarjal Camp in Sialkot, where personnel involved in the March 2025 killing of police officers had been trained.

Two high-profile targets were Markaz Taiba in Muridke, where Ajmal Kasab and David Coleman Headley had received training before the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and the Subhan Allah Mosque complex in Bahawalpur, which served as Jaish-e-Mohammed's headquarters and was regularly used by senior leadership for recruitment. The Mehmuna Joya Camp of Hizbul Mujahideen in Sialkot, where the Pathankot attack was planned, was also among the nine sites struck.

Military action was halted on May 10, 2025, following talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of India and Pakistan.

The names of the six personnel will now be inscribed at the National War Memorial near India Gate in New Delhi — the memorial inaugurated in 2019 that records the names of all soldiers who have died in service to the nation since independence. With this, Operation Sindoor formally enters the roll of military operations honoured at the memorial.

For the families of the six, the public acknowledgment closes a long period of quiet grief. The government's decision to release names and ensure memorial recognition signals that the sacrifices made during the operation will be part of the official record of India's military history.

In a major boost to security forces, two terrorists were neutralised during an intense Udhampur encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Basantgarh area on February 4, 2026. This development comes amid heightened vigilance against terror activities in the region.

The Udhampur encounter unfolded around 4 PM on Tuesday when a joint team from the Army’s White Knight Corps (CIF Delta), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and CRPF launched a search in a dense forest near Johpar-Marta village in Ramnagar tehsil. Acting on specific intelligence about terrorist movements, the forces cordoned off the area. Hiding in a cave, the terrorists opened fire, caught on camera by security personnel. Troops retaliated swiftly, leading to the neutralisation of both militants.

Operation Kiya Launched in Basantgarh

The Army announced Operation Kiya, an intelligence-driven joint effort, via social media. "CIF Delta, along with J&K Police and CRPF, has cordoned Basantgarh. Encounter underway," the White Knight Corps posted. The entire zone remains sealed, with exit points blocked and reinforcements deployed. Operations continue as forces hunt for possible accomplices.

This Udhampur encounter matters now because Jammu and Kashmir faces a surge in terror incursions post-winter. Experts like retired Major General Ashok Mehta note, "Such precise intel-based ops disrupt Lashkar and Jaish networks, sending a strong message." It reassures locals amid fears of infiltration.

Ongoing Operation Trashi-1 in Kishtwar

Parallel to the Udhampur encounter, Operation Trashi-1 rages in Kishtwar's Chatru belt forests near Sonar village. Launched January 18, it has seen four clashes in 15 days:

• January 18: Eight jawans injured; Havildar Gajendra Singh succumbed later.
  
  

• January 22 & 24: Intense firefights.
  
  

• January 31: Firing resumed in Dolgam.
  
  

These ops highlight relentless pursuit, with one soldier's sacrifice underscoring the risks.

Recent Wins: Jaish Commander Down in Kathua

Adding to successes, security forces eliminated Jaish-e-Mohammed commander Usman in Kathua on January 23. Active in Doda-Udhampur-Kathua for two years, he was tracked for a week. Troops recovered an American M4 rifle, ammo, and explosives.

These back-to-back actions in Jammu Kashmir terrorists hotspots like Basantgarh operation show coordinated strategy. Security analyst Praveen Swami says, "Zero-tolerance ops are curbing modules effectively." For residents, it means safer paths; for the nation, a firm stand against cross-border terror.

As Operation Kiya progresses, updates will follow. Stay tuned for more on these critical Jammu Kashmir security ops.