Kupwara saw killing of 27 terrorists in 10 infiltration bids in eight months: Army

Kupwara, Oct 27  : In the last eight months, ten infiltration attempts were made along the Line of Control in northern district of Kupwara that saw killing of 27 terrorists and the recovery of war like stores and narcotics as well, the army said on Friday.

Addressing the press conference at Kupwara, GoC 28 Infantry Division Girish Kalia said that a major infiltration bid was foiled in Machil sector on Thursday in which five terrorists were killed.

The GoC, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that with relentless efforts of security forces together, the situation has improved to a great extent, which has paved the way for development and tourism.

He said that there is a constant endeavor to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir from other side of the border. “There are continuous infiltration attempts from other side of the LoC. All such attempts have been foiled by security forces,” he said.

He said that ten attempts were made in the last eight months in Kupwara district leading to elimination of 27 terrorists.

“Huge quantities of war like stores and narcotics were also recovered from the killed terrorists. They are all determined to disturb peace in valley,” the army officer said.

About the Machil operation, the GoC said that this is a tribute to the infantry who have always worked towards peace and prosperity in the region.

Present on the occasion, senior superintendent of police (SSP) Kupwara, Yougal Manhas said that the intelligence grid is always ready and active. “We received information from credible sources about infiltration attempt. Information was shared with the concerned unit about an infiltration on a particular date,” he said.

Commanding Officer of Army unit concerned, Rajat Birman said that specific inputs were received from Kupwara police about likely infiltration attempt, following which a joint operation was launched.

He said that the terrain in the area of operation is very challenging. “Ambush parties were placed ahead of LoC fence. Movement of 5 terrorists was detected and they were challenged. “After opening the fire immediately two terrorists were killed. The operation continued for the whole day. The remaining terrorists took cover and continued to fire. Using modern surveillance devices a pinpoint location was detected leading to the killing of the remaining 3 terrorists,” the CO said.

He said that the operation concluded without any causality to own side.

He also said that the operation indicated that terrorists were highly trained and well-armed.

Meanwhile, in a hand-out issued here, the army said that multiple ambushes were laid ahead of Anti-Infiltration operations along the LoC. “The area is thickly forested with dense foliage. Taking advantage of difficult terrain and dense vegetation, a group of 5 terrorists infiltrated from across the LoC. At around 1010 hours on 26 October, the infiltrating terrorists were intercepted by alert troops. The terrorists opened fire and attempted to flee.”

It said that in the intense firefight that ensured and continued throughout the day, Rashtriya Rifle troops employed modern surveillance devices and quad copters to locate the terrorists in the difficult terrain. “Conduct of deliberate tactical operations finally led to the elimination of 5 terrorists. Large quantity of war-like stores including 5 AK series rifles have been recovered from the killed terrorists,” it added.

It further said that the security forces in complete synergy are committed to defeating such attempts by the enemy with resolve and steadfast commitment—(KNO)