Srinagar: Army on Thursday claimed to have foiled a major infiltration bid in the forests of Uri north Kashmir’s Baramulla district by killing three armed militants.
Addressing a Press conference in Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps headquarters, GoC 15 corps Lieutenant General D P Pandey said that today’s infiltration attempt was the second since September 18 in Uri sector.
“Today morning, alert troops spotted a group of infiltrators in the Uri sector. They were challenged and three militants were killed. The September 18 bid was foiled and the militants were pushed back,” he said.
The officer, briefing media through video Conferencing from Uri said ‘today morning, army spotted a group of militants in forest area of Uri sector at 6 am. Surveillance was enhanced and the group was challenged. Three militants were killed after a brief exchange of fire,” he told Kashmir News Observer.
Uri based asked officer said that three slain were carrying huge quantity of arms and ammunition that includes five AK-47 rifles, seven pistols, 5 AK magazines, 24 UBGl grenades, 38 Chinese grenades, seven Pakistan made grenades, Rs 35000 Indian and Pakistani currency and some edibles.
"Only one slain has been identified who is a Pakistani resident. The identity of the other two is being ascertained,” he said.
On whether today’s infiltration had any Afghanistan link, he said: “Army is alert and that we were anticipating change in the behavior of Pakistan in the month of September and expecting infiltration ahead of the onset of winter. I would not like to connect this with the geo-politics. We are ready to foil all bids.” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said enemies of the peace feel frustrated by the prevailing situation – tourist arrivals are rising and after seeing calm post death of Syed Ali Geelani – there is a change in strategy from across the LoC."
“Now, there is a new trend of Hybrid or part time militants, who have been given pistols to carry out target killings during evening hours and then they resume normal activities after a day,” the IGP said.
He said this year so far 97 pistols have been recovered from militants, which signifies “hybrid militants are being promoted” to target unarmed policemen, civilians and political leaders.
Replying to a query about successful anti-militancy operations, the GoC said that it was because of the “good human intelligence and public support”, successful operations are taking place.
When asked whether the militants slain killed in Uri sector today were fidayeens, he said the slain militants were carrying adequate arms and ammunition with them to stay for a long time.
