Major infiltration bid foiled in Macchil sector
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Nov 8: Army today foiled a major infiltration bid, the second biggest this year, in which three soldiers and a BSF man were martyred and three militants were killed.
Today’s infiltration bid is second biggest along the LoC this year as in April this year five heavily armed militants and an equal number of soldiers of Special Forces were killed in Keran sector of Kupwara.
Srinagar based Defence spokesman, Colonel Rajesh Kalia, said that heavily armed militants made an attempt to infiltrate, the bid was foiled and operation against them is going on. “Either some militants are hiding or some may have gone back to other side,” he said.
He added that the operation is on and so far three soldiers and a BSF man were martyred and three militants have been killed. “BSF patrol noticed suspicious movement near the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) along LoC Fence, about 3.5 km from the LoC. Firefight ensued in which one infiltrator was killed. A BSF soldier was martyred in action. Firefight stopped at a 4 am”, he added.
He said that more troops were rushed to the area and militant movement was tracked by surveillance devices. “Contact was re-established today morning when heavy fire was drawn by own search parties approximately 1.5 km from the LoC”, the spokesman said.
“In the ensuing fire fight two more militants were killed. Three soldiers were martyred and two others injured. Injured soldiers have been evacuated to the hospital. The operation in the area is still under process”, he added.
Border Security Force (BSF), in a statement issued here said: “On November 8, 2020 at about 0100 hrs, an ambush-cum-patrol party of 169 Bn BSF observed movement of a militants group infiltrating through the Line of Control in Macchil Sector, Kupwara.”
“After they were challenged, they opened fire which was fittingly retaliated by the BSF party. In the fierce exchange of fire, one militant was shot dead immediately and others managed to hide behind the cover of undulating terrain”, the statement said. “At the same time Pak posts started ceasefire violation in support of the infiltrating militants.”
“During the gunfight, one BSF Jawan Sudip Kumar received bullets but with utter disregard to his personal safety he kept on fighting till his last breath with exemplary courage and ultimately attained martyrdom”, the statement said.
“In the meantime, Army reinforcement arrived from the flanking forward posts and joint search and elimination operation continued further”, the statement added.
Two AK rifles with two magazines and 60 rounds of bullets, one pistol with two magazines and 29 rounds of bullets, one radio set, Rs 50,000 Indian currency and administrative stores were recovered during the searches of the area.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has paid tributes to the security personnel who attained martyrdom during an encounter with terrorists in Macchil sector of Kupwara district.
He saluted the supreme sacrifice of the jawans and lauded the courage and valour displayed by them while protecting the integrity and sovereignty of the country.
The nation will always remain indebted to brave hearts who have laid down their lives for providing safe and secure environment to our people, he added.
Sinha offered his deepest condolences to the families of the martyrs and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
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