Srinagar: The hero of the surgical strike, which the Indian Army had conducted on terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 2016, was injured in clashes with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.  

Major Deepak Upadhyay, who was a key member of the 9 Para special forces of the Indian Army that took part in the surgical strikes, was hit by a bullet, but stood like a wall to save journalists who had come to cover the Jhajjar Kotli attack. Soon reinforcements arrived and eliminated the terrorists.

MyNation received an update at 3 PM on September 14 that the officer is recovering fast. Sources said that his injury is not grievous.

The security forces had earlier killed two terrorists involved in the Jhajjar Kotli attack, following which top officials of Jammu and Kashmir Police along with GOC, Uniform Force Major General Arvind Bhatia moved towards the forward areas. Teams from the local and national media also arrived.    

When the journalists were about to leave, the third terrorist, who was injured but believed to have escape through a stream and was hiding in the bushes nearby, started firing.

The sudden firing created panic and it was then that Major Upadhyay jumped into action and fought heroically. 

It may be noted Major Upadhyay was conferred the Shaurya Chakra for his role in the surgical strikes.