SRINAGAR: Three soldiers were on Tuesday killed and the body of one of them was mutilated when
Pakistan’s notorious Border Action Team (BAT) carried cross-Line of Control (LoC) raids and attacked the Army’s counter infiltration patrol along the LoC in Machil sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army has vowed to avenge the act saying retribution would be heavy. “Three soldiers were killed in action on the LoC in Machil sector in Kupwara today. Body of one soldier was mutilated,” said a defence spokesperson.
It is the second such incident in a month when an Army man’s body has been mutilated in the sector in a cross-LoC attack.
Defence sources told Express that Pakistan’s BAT commandos ambushed the Army’s counter infiltration patrol between the border fence and LoC. “The BAT team crossed the LoC and ambushed the Army’s patrol party. Three army men, who were part of the patrol, were killed in the Pakistani attack,” they said, adding that the body of a jawan was mutilated.
Asked whether the patrol party comprised only three men, the sources said it had more men. “There was retaliation from our side and combing and search operation is going on to ascertain whether the Pakistani troops suffered injuries or casualties in the retaliatory firing.”
On October 28, 26-year-old sepoy Mandeep Singh was killed and his body mutilated in Machil sector by militants, who were aided by cover fire by Pakistani army. The militants had crossed the LoC and killed the soldier and mutilated his body before fleeing to the other side.
Asked whether measures were taken to prevent such attacks after the October 28 incident, defence sources said, “Adequate measures were taken to ensure safety of soldiers and prevent such attacks”. “However, counter infiltration patrol along the LoC is essential. The Pakistani troops know it and may have selected the target,” they added.
According to the sources, measures are always in place and reviewed periodically. “But these are military actions and despite preparedness, such things take place. There is nothing surprising.”
“Pakistan is conducting it and Pakistan army’s hand is clear,” they added. According to defence sources, Tuesday’s act would be suitably avenged. “Retribution will be heavy for this cowardly act,” said a defence spokesperson. J&K deputy CM Nirmal Singh said, “It is a cowardly act by Pakistani forces and the incident reflects the barbaric attitude of forces on the other side of border.”
Meanwhile, Pakistani troops breached ceasefire and fired on Army posts and civilians areas along the Machil sector in the late afternoon. “Firing and mortar shelling is going on at Dana Machhil, Ashni, Ringsar and Ringsar Payeen in Machil sector. The Army men are returning fire,” sources said.