6 militants killed as infiltration bid foiled

SRINAGAR: Six militants were killed while infiltrating into Kashmir through Keran sector near the Line of Control in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, the army said on Sunday.

Army soldiers foiled the infiltration bid in Keran sector and killed six militants, an army official said, adding operations were still on.

This is the fourth infiltration bid since the Centre announced Ramzan ceasefire on May 16. These attempts have resulted in the death of 17 militants.

On June 6, three militants were killed when army foiled an infiltration bid in Machil sector of Kupwara. On May 26, army had said that five militants were killed while they were trying to cross the Line of Control (LOC) in Tanghdar. On May 18, three militants were killed close to Line of Control in Handwara forest.

Most of these militants are believed to be foreigners, except two of the five killed in Tanghdar whose bodies were exhumed and handed over to their heir families from Pulwama and Kulgam.

Defence ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said: “An infiltration bid from across the border was foiled in Keran sector of Kupwara district on Sunday. Five terrorists have been killed in so far in the ongoing operation.”

The security forces have suspended operations against militants in the state during the ongoing Ramadan ceasefire announced by the Centre.

However, extra vigil is being maintained to ensure that militants are prevented from infiltrating into the Valley.