Major infiltration bid foiled along Indo-Pak border ahead of Obama's visit

A major infiltration bid by Pakistan-based terrorists to strike ahead of US President Barack Obama's visit has been foiled by the BSF along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said Border Security Force troops last night observed movement of a group of militants trying to infiltrate into the Indian territory in the Samba sector.

Immediately after detection of the terrorist movement, they said the troops foiled their attempt to sneak into the Indian side.

"The militants escaped back to Pakistan from where they had been launched. The alertness of BSF troops has thwarted the militants plot to enter into Indian territory and carry out terror attacks on the eve of Republic Day," a Home Ministry statement said.

President Obama will arrive in the country this Sunday on a three-day visit during which be will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade at Rajpath on January 26.

"The BSF has foiled a major infiltration bid along Indo-Pak border at Samba last night. The alert BSF troops thwarted their infiltration attempt which was sixth during this month in this sector," the statement said. The force is maintaining high alert along the IB to foil any possible similar attempts, it said.

The latest attempt by the terrorists in this area assumes significance as during the visit of then US President Bill Clinton in March 2000, terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba had targeted Chittisinghpura village in Kashmir, killing 36 people.