Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: The BSF today foiled a major infiltration attempt by the militants on the International Border in Samba sector in which the security personnel had a very narrow escape in three Under Barrel Grenades thrown by the militants on them in a bid to enter into this side.
Official sources said the militants resorted to heavy attack on forward BSF troops deployed on duty mound in Samba sector at 3.30 pm by firing grenades followed by heavy firing from automatic weapons with a view to force their entry into the Indian side to carry out terror attacks.
“Alert BSF troops on duty points, without caring for their personal safety and security, swiftly organized coordinated effective firing on the militants, not only to suppress their fire but force them to retreat to Pakistan, from where they have been launched into the Indian side for carrying out subversive attack,’’ sources said.
They added: “the alert BSF sentries foiled ferocious stand-off attack from heavily armed terrorists from Pakistan by giving them a befitting reply’’.
According to sources, the grenade attacks and firing by the militants was to be followed by the infiltration attempt. However, finding the BSF troops on very high alert on the International Border, the militants retreated to Pakistan.
“The BSF jawans very narrowly escaped from fierce grenade attack of terrorists,’’ sources said, adding that the militants were trying to take advantage of undulating ground and thick wild growth while trying to infiltrate into this side from Samba sector.
The militants had taken refuge in a depression having dense wild growth on the International Border on Pakistan side while making the infiltration attempt. However, they didn’t succeed and retreated.
“There were no casualties or damage on the Indian side in grenade attacks and firing by Pakistan,’’ sources said.
Though officially the number of militants, who made the infiltration attempt was not known, sources said going by the firing and grenade attacks launched by the militants simultaneously, their number could be between three to four. They were equipped with sophisticated weapons and explosive material.
This was the second major infiltration attempt foiled by the Border Security Force personnel on the International Border this year.
On January 13, three militants had attempted to infiltrate into the Indian territory from the International Border between Samba and Hiranagar sectors. The BSF had gunned down one of them while two others had managed to escape under the cover of darkness.
There had been reports that a number of militants were camping on Pakistan side of the International Border opposite Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts with a view to infiltrate into this side and carry out terror attacks along Jammu-Pathankot national Highway targeting security force installations and civilian population.
However, the alert BSF personnel have been maintaining strict vigil on the borders and haven’t allowed the militant designs to succeed.
“Concentration of the militants was more between Samba and Hiranagar sectors,’’ sources said.
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