Kupwara: Joint Forces including Indian Army and Jammu Kashmir Police Thursday foiled an infiltration attempt in forward areas of Keran sector of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district culminating in the killing of three infiltrators and recovery of large quantity of war-like stores.
Srinagar based Defense Spokesperson, Colonel Emran Mosavi said that the operation was launched based on Joint Intelligence from several agencies including SSP Kupwara. Several search parties were formed, who conducted vigorous searches and established multiple ambushes.
The contact with infiltrators was established at 04.45 AM on Thursday in the forward areas close to the LoC, leading to a heavy exchange of fire. One civil porter identified as Lateef Mir son of Majeed Mir resident of Kuchiban Jummagund, also lost his life in the firefight. The thorough search was conducted in the morning and concluded at about 2 PM.
The spokesperson said that search of the area yielded the dead bodies of three militants, three AK rifles, one pistol, six grenades and large quantity of ammunition and stores related to Improvised Explosive Devices.
Army said that exporting militancy in J&K has been a state policy of Pakistan in the last three decades.
The spokesperson said that the increased desperation of militant handlers across the border is evident as a result of effect-based operations conducted by the Indian Army and the prevailing peace and tranquility evident from hordes of tourists landing in the valley.
Army said that Pakistan’s nefarious designs to revive the dying agenda and keep the pot boiling in J&K under the garb of Ceasefire Understanding by Pakistan Army is the new deceit. The elimination of three Pakistani terrorists, recovery of war like stores to include stores for Improvised Explosive Devices is a clear indication of an intent to disrupt peace, prosperity of locals and the impending Amarnath Yatra.
Meanwhile, Police said that from the incriminating materials recovered, the 3 killed militants have been identified as Pakistani, affiliated with militant outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba. Police said that so far, 26 foreign militants (14 JeM & 12 LeT) have been neutralized this year. (KNT)
