Over 250-300 militants at launchpads across LoC waiting to infiltrate into India: ADG BSF

The Additional Director General Border Security Force Surinder Panwar said on Monday that over 250-300 militants are waiting at the launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate into India.

Compared to last year, infiltration has gone down, Panwar said.

Only 25-30 militants have managed to infiltrate this year, compared to 140 in 2019, he added.

"250 to 300 militants are still present at the launch pads across the LoC, waiting to infiltrate before snowfall but we are alert and all their attempts will be foiled," said Panwar.

The ADG BSF was talking on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of the slain BSF constable, who laid his life while stopping infiltrators at Machail in Kupwara during the intervening night of November 7-8. 

Panwar said, "At around 1 am, BSF men noticed suspicious movement of terrorists at Machil sector after which a team of BSF led by two constables, Constable Sudip Kumar and Constable Abdul challenged them. One of the terrorists fired at Constable Sudip Kumar injuring him critically. The exchange of fire continued till 4:30 am. Later, the injured BSF constable succumbed to his injuries." 

"In the exchange of firing, army captain Ashutosh Kumar and two soldiers were killed," said Panwar and added that they already had an input about the possible infiltration bid.

He said the operation in Machil area of Kupwara district of north Kashmir is still underway. "So if there are any more terrorists, they too will be neutralised," said ADG BSF.