Infiltration bid in Kupwara foiled, two terrorists killed

Two militants were killed after security forces foiled an infiltration bid in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said on Saturday.

According to the Army, over the past few weeks, there have been multiple intelligence inputs about infiltration attempts planned through the Keran Sector in the district.

A defence spokesperson said that on Thursday, a specific input was received which was corroborated by Jammu and Kashmir Police and Intelligence Bureau about likely infiltration through thick jungles of Keran Sector.

Soon after, a joint operation was launched by Army, Border Security Force and Jammu and Kashmir Police along “appreciated infiltration routes.”

The spokesperson said that on Friday evening at 8.10 pm, movement was observed by the troops from the area across the Line of Control and as they came close, vigilant troops challenged them. This resulted in infiltrating terrorists opening indiscriminate fire.

“In the ensuing firefight, two terrorists were neutralised alongside recovery of large quantities of warlike stores,” the spokesperson said, adding that from the recoveries, “it is evident that these suspected Pakistani terrorists were heavily armed, well-trained and equipped.”

The Army said, “This successful intelligence-based operation is yet another example of the synergy amongst intelligence agencies, Indian Army & JKP.”

“Chinar Warriors stand steadfast to defeat the nefarious design of inimical elements to disrupt peace and harmony in Kashmir,” the spokesperson said.

Today’s operation by the security forces comes as the Kupwara district has recently witnessed many such operations against the infiltrators. Several infiltration attempts have been foiled by the Army on the Line of Control, killing many militants this year.

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the outgoing General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, on Thursday said the infiltration attempts from the LoC in Kashmir were less this time.