Lt Gen Pratik Sharma’s Visit to Basantgarh Reinforces India’s Resolve Against Terrorism Along Northern Frontier
Faced with increasing security issues on the northern border, the Indian Army's new Northern Command Army Commander, Lieutenant General Pratik Sharma, paid a key visit to Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir. The high-profile visit came after the horrific April 22, 2025, when a terror attack at Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also attributed the attack to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror outfit.
On his visit, Lt Gen Sharma assessed the battle-hardiness of troops deployed along the Pir Panjal range, a region that has witnessed an upsurge in militant cross-border infiltration and terrorist activities lately. A major face-off occurred at Basantgarh on April 24 that resulted in the killing of one Indian soldier and the wounding of two others. Praising the soldiers for their alertness and battle tactics, Lt Gen Sharma urged them to stay aggressive in counterinsurgency operations while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
The Udhampur-based Northern Command plays a strategic position, being the first line of defense of India's northern borders, including the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Lt Gen Sharma's visit is an indicator of the Army's determination to confront growing cross-border threats. In a strategic move, India suspended the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, citing Pakistan's consistent indulgence in cross-border terrorism and related national security concerns.
In a bid to enhance security operations, the Indian Army has used helicopters to aid in search and combing operations over the hilly terrain of the Pir Panjal range, where militants have taken refuge. A temporary lockdown was imposed in Basantgarh to aid in the current manhunt. At the same time, the NIA is aggressively pursuing leads by studying CCTV footage on crucial routes around Pahalgam to map the movement of the terrorists before carrying out the attack.
This rapid action and added alertness reflect the Indian Army's firm determination to neutralize terrorist threats and re-establish peace in the area. The ongoing operations in Basantgarh are part of a broader counterterrorism campaign designed to dissuade militants from gaining havens in Jammu and Kashmir. In the wake of rising Indo-Pak tensions and rising global concern about cross-border terrorism, the Northern Command is still committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and civilian security. Lt Gen Sharma's strong leadership gives a strong message of zero tolerance towards terrorism and uncompromising dedication to operational preparedness in one of the most delicate and strategically key areas of India.
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