One Indian Army jawan was killed and two others were injured in a landmine blast along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Friday, July 25. The blast took place while patrolling in the Krishna Ghati sector during an area domination patrol. The White Knight Corps of the Indian Army confirmed the death of Agniveer Lalit Kumar of 7 JAT Regiment and offered condolences on social media.
After the incident, combing operations were launched by security forces at various places in Poonch and Mendhar, but no arrests were made. The area is still on high alert as the Budha Amarnath Yatra is about to commence on July 28.
Soldier Killed, Army Mourns the Loss
The blast was during a regular patrol in the Krishna Ghati sector, a highly sensitive region close to the LoC. Agniveer Lalit Kumar was killed in the explosion. Two other troops were injured and were given prompt medical aid.
The White Knight Corps paid respects on X. “#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks pay solemn respects to Agniveer Lalit Kumar of 7 JAT Regiment, who made the ultimate sacrifice,” read the post. The Army also pledged its support to the bereaved family with the following statement: “We stand with the bereaved family during this time of sorrow.”
#GOC #WhiteKnightCorps and all ranks pay solemn tribute to Agniveer Lalit Kumar, who made the supreme sacrifice, while on an area domination patrol in general area of #Krishna Ghati brigade on 25 July 2025, following a mine blast.
We stand with the bereaved family in this hour of… pic.twitter.com/kA0VSNl5Qp— White Knight Corps (@Whiteknight_IA) July 25, 2025
Massive Search Op Across Poonch & Mendhar
In retaliation, area domination and search operations were launched by the Army and local security forces. Sari, Ustan, Pathankhor, Lohar Mohalla, Chandimarh, Phagal, Hari Top, and Kaagwali in the Surankote area and Limba, Ucchad, and Kallar-Gursai areas of Mendhar were searched. No suspects have been nabbed despite the extensive activity.
Security Tightens Ahead of Budha Amarnath Yatra
The timing of the explosion is significant, occurring mere days before the Budha Amarnath Yatra. The 13-day yatra starts on July 28 and concludes on August 9. Pilgrims will commence from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu and move towards the holy shrine in Poonch.
In the wake of the threat, security has been ramped up. At the beginning of the week, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat presided over a top-level meeting in Poonch. Senior officials such as Special DGP Javaid Gillani, IGP Bhimsen Tuti, and IG CRPF Gopal K Rao attended along with him. They assessed security arrangements with district police officers from Rajouri and Poonch.
Tight Vigil as Yatra Nears
Amarnath Yatra is already going on every year in Kashmir. As the Budha Amarnath Yatra is set to start, governments are not leaving any stone unturned. Vigilance has been tightened, and deployment throughout the area continues to be intense.
Friday’s bombing highlights the continued threat in border regions and the importance of staying alert.
