Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand Honored for Supreme Sacrifice in Jammu and Kashmir Operation
This morning, a poignant ceremony took place at the White Knight Corps headquarters in Nagrota, Jammu, where the Indian Army honored Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand. The soldier from Himachal Pradesh gave his life in the line of duty, and the tribute was a heartfelt acknowledgment of his sacrifice.
Lance Dafadar Chand, originally from Village Gangloh in Tehsil Jhanduta, District Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, succumbed to injuries sustained in a fierce confrontation with terrorists in the Seoj Dhar forests of the Basantgarh sector, Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
The Encounter
The operation, initiated on the night of September 19, 2025, involved the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group (SOG), who conducted a cordon-and-search mission upon receiving intelligence about heavily armed Pakistani terrorists in the area.
At approximately 8 p.m., the militants, who were in hiding, opened fire on the search party, leading to a prolonged gunbattle. During this exchange, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand was critically wounded. Despite being swiftly evacuated to a nearby medical facility, he succumbed to his injuries, paying the ultimate price for his duty.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Major General P.S. Dagar, General Officer Commanding (GOC) White Knight Corps, led the wreath-laying ceremony, honoring the fallen soldier by placing a wreath on behalf of the Corps and the Indian Army. Senior officers, soldiers, and officials honored the extraordinary bravery of Lance Dafadar Chand.
In a public message, the White Knight Corps expressed their 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
Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, also offered his condolences, describing Chand as a "braveheart" whose sacrifice will 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,” he stated.
He reassured that the government and security forces are dedicated to eliminating terrorism and achieving lasting peace in the region.
Ongoing Operations
Security forces continue their operations in the Basantgarh–Seoj Dhar area, with additional reinforcements deployed to locate the remaining militants. As of now, no further casualties among the security personnel have been reported, although the situation remains tense.
Legacy of Bravery
Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand is survived by his grieving parents and siblings. The Indian Army has pledged full support to his family. His sacrifice remains a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by the armed forces in their mission to protect the nation.
The country mourns the loss of another hero, but his courage and legacy will continue to inspire the people of India for generations to come.
