Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 10: Army today foiled a major infiltration bid in Keran sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district of North Kashmir killing four militants.
Srinagar based Defence spokesman, Lt Col Rajesh Kalia told Excelsior that army noticed movement of a group of infiltrators in Keran sector of LoC last evening. He said that the group was challenged by the Army deployed in the area during which a fierce gun battle broke out in which four infiltrators were killed.
Lt Col Kalia said that searches of the area were conducted early in the morning during which four dead bodies were recovered. “Four AK-rifles and warlike stores were also recovered from the encounter site”, he added. He said that the operation in the area was later called off in the afternoon.
Sources said that Army deployed along the forward posts in Tilpathri area of Keran noticed movement of a group of four militants in Sarya Bahak area of Dudniyal in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) towards the LoC at around 6.30 pm yesterday.
They said that the Army immediately laid an ambush in the Nallahs and as the infiltrating group was proceeding towards the counter-infiltration fence, army opened fire on them killing four infiltrators. They said that in the morning during the searches of the area four bodies were recovered. These militants were belonging to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
This is the first infiltration attempt that was foiled along the LoC this year. And this year the infiltration has started earlier as compared to last year. Last year, the first infiltrating group was intercepted in May.
However, as per the Multi Agency Centre (MAC) figures, 8 militants have infiltrated into Kashmir in winter this year. These militants mostly infiltrated from Keran sector where the snow depth was less compared to other areas.
The figures suggested that the militants came in two groups. However, sources said that the number of militants who infiltrated this year in winter months of January and February is 12.
Last year, the first infiltration reports were received in May and as per MAC figures 114 militants infiltrated into Kashmir last year which was highest since 2014.
Sources said that around 200 militants are on launch pads mostly in Neelam Valley area of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). These militants had started gathering from February. They said that militant groups were noticed doing reconnaissance of the LoC in Doodniyal, Hathlanga and Athmuqam areas for last over a month and were waiting for infiltration.
After the reports of early infiltration this year, Army has intensified its vigil along the LoC. The patrols have been intensified so that infiltration along the LoC is stopped. Army is conducting regular patrols so as to prevent any infiltration attempts.
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