Army Foils Another Infiltration Bid in J&K, 3 Militants Killed

Army foiled an infiltration attempt by militants along LoC in Keran sector of border district of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday by killing three heavily armed militants.

SRINAGAR: Army foiled an infiltration attempt by militants along Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector of border district of Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday by killing three heavily armed militants.

Defence sources said army men deployed along LoC detected a group of 4-6 militants trying to sneak into this side of LoC near Gali Gali post in Keran sector of Kupwara district during the preceding night.

“The alert army men challenged the militants, who fired from automatic weapons towards them. The fire was returned by the troops, triggering an encounter. In the ensuing firefight, which continued till wee hours, three militants were killed while three others returned back to Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK),” they said.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar Colonel N N Joshi while confirming foiling of infiltration bid said a group of militants were spotted moving from PaK towards LoC at midnight.

He said the robust counter infiltration grid in place immediately picked up the militants and kept them under constant surveillance till they reached the LoC fencing.

“The militants moved towards the LoC fencing and attempted to cut the fencing and cross over. The militants were then effectively engaged by the vigilant soldiers deployed along the LoC. Three militants were killed in the intense gunfight,” Joshi said.

He said army men conducted searches in the area early this morning and recovered bodies of three militants. “The army men also recovered three AK 47 rifles, one UBGL, 12 AK Magazines, 300 rounds of AK 47, eight grenades and other warlike stores from”.

The defence spokesman said identity of the deceased militants was being ascertained.

Sources said this was the 7th infiltration bid to be foiled by army this year along LoC in Kashmir. “15 militants have been killed by army along LoC this year so far”.

Last year 59 militants were killed by army along the LoC in Kashmir.

Army officials are expecting rise in infiltration bids by militants in view of melting of snow on the passes. In view of threat of infiltration by militants, security apparatus along LoC has been strengthened and army men and officers directed to remain vigilant 24x7.

Preparations underway for observing Vijay Diwas

Defence spokesman Col N N Joshi said Army is preparing extensively to observe Vijay Diwas to mark the 16th anniversary of Kargil War of 1999.

“The primary event is scheduled to be held at Kargil War Memorial at Drass from 25th to 26th of this month. It will be attended by a large number of dignitaries of the Army and civil administration as well as gallantry award winners of the conflict and families of many martyrs,” he said.

The conflict was fought in the summer of 1999 to evict Pakistani regular forces who had intruded and occupied winter vacated posts on this side of LoC in Kargil.

“The operation cost the Indian Army hundreds of young lives, in whose memory the commemorative function is held every year,” Joshi said.

Hundreds of Pakistani soldiers were also killed in the Kargil war.

Joshi said on July 25, the Army Bands will present a breathtaking band display, followed by a solemn memorial service. “On July 26, senior officers of the Army, martyrs’ families, war heroes, political representatives and the civil administration shall participate in the commemorative wreath laying ceremony at the Kargil War Memorial located at the base of the Tololing feature, the scene of one of the fieriest battles of the operation”.

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