Infiltration bid foiled, 4 militants killed

At least four militants were killed as the army foiled an infiltration bid in north Kashmir’s Tanghdar sector. The operation is still underway and possibility of militants hiding in forests has not been ruled out.

“An infiltration bid was foiled in Tangdhar sector early this morning. Four terrorists were killed while attempting to cross the border into India. The operation is in progress,” said defence spokesperson Colonel Rajesh Kalia. He, however, said identities of the militants have not been ascertained.

This is the first big infiltration bid to be foiled near the line of control (LoC) since the Union government declared a unilateral ceasefire in view of Ramzan recently.

Although Army personnel had spotted a few militants near the LoC in Keran sector two days ago, the potential infiltrators fled back after a brief exchange of fire.

“Earlier also five to six militants had made an attempt to sneak into Valley, the attempt was foiled by the army,’’ said an army official.

A day after ceasefire was announced, four unidentified militants were killed in an encounter in the forests of Hafradu in Kupwara district.

Army has not ruled out the possibility of more infiltration attempts in the coming days, since the snow from the upper ridges of north Kashmir has started melting.

Last Friday the militants were killed after forces launched a joint operation in the forests of Shah Nagri Vilgam, about 8–9 km from the LoC. Police or army didnt say whether they were old militants or fresh infiltrators.

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