Army in J&K foils infiltration bid

SRINAGAR: The army on Wednesday foiled a major infiltration bid when they killed five militants while they were trying to sneak into the Kashmir valley from Machil sector on the line of control (LoC) in Kupwara district. In the crossfire, the army lost one jawan and two others suffered injuries.

This is the first major infiltration bid by militants since the war of words started between India and Pakistan.

Colonel B B Singh of the 15 corps said the troops discovered suspicious movement at an altitude of 4,000 feet in Machil sector on Monday night. "An ambush was immediately laid and when a group of militants entered into this side, they were challenged by the troops" he said.

The encounter broke out at a place which is at the altitude of 4000 feet from the sea level. The area, according to the army, is rugged and beyond the reach of the common man. This area remains covered under snow for eight months. The snow completely covers the fence, which makes it easy for the ultras to evade the sensors and cross into this side of Kashmir.

"The operation is still continuing as the troops are now combing the area which has a very difficult terrain," Col Singh said.