Farooq Tantary CNI

Srinagar: As 2025 comes to a close, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a sobering security toll, with 34 security personnel laying down their lives in Counter-Insurgency/Counter-Terror operations and Border Action Incidents, including fierce engagements during Operation Sindoor along the Line of Control, highlighting the continued intensity of the security challenges in the region.According to year-end data available with news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), the martyrs belonged to the Indian Army, BSF, J&K Police, SOG, SIA and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) units.They were killed in encounters, mine blasts, terror attacks and cross-border hostilities across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions while defending the nation’s frontiers and internal security grid.Regional break-up of martyrdoms: 13 personnel were martyred in the Kashmir Division, while 9 lost their lives in the Jammu Division, mostly along the LoC during Operation Sindoor.Meanwhile, Counter-Insurgency and Counter-Terror operations witnessed 12 casualties across various sectors.Month-wise martyrdoms in 2025 saw January witnessing 1 casualty; February 2; March 4; April 2; May 10 (deadliest month); June 1; July 1; August 2; September 3; November 6; and December 2.Major flashpoints and deadly episodes: November emerged as one of the bloodiest months, marked by a devastating blast at Nowgam, which claimed the lives of six personnel, including senior and technical staff of JKP FSL and SIA, dealing a severe blow to the security establishment.May proved the deadliest month of 2025, witnessing intense hostilities along the RS Pura, Rajouri and LoC sectors during Operation Sindoor, resulting in the highest single-month casualty figure.

The fallen heroes included young officers, Agniveers, JCOs and police personnel who were martyred in mine blasts, encounters and terror attacks across Kupwara, Poonch, Kathua, Kulgam, Baramulla, Rajouri and Udhampur, among other areas.As the nation bids farewell to 2025, the sacrifice of these 34 bravehearts stands as a stark reminder of the human cost of safeguarding peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Their supreme courage, unwavering commitment and ultimate sacrifice continue to strengthen the nation’s resolve to defeat terrorism and defend its sovereignty.