Major infiltration bid foiled, eight militants killed in J

Srinagar, June 6 (UNI) Alert troops today foiled a major infiltration bid when they gunned down eight heavily armed militants in Machil sector in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence ministry spokesman said.

He said troops guarding the border noticed a group of militants sneaking into this side from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) early this morning under the cover of darkness.

When challenged and asked to surrender, the militants opened fire with automatic weapons. The troops retaliated and the encounter continued for several hours.

''Later, during the search operation, five bodies were recovered,'' he said, adding a large cache of arms and ammunition including five AK rifles were recovered from the slain infiltrators.

The security forces have now launched a massive search in the nearby woods, the spokesman said, adding three more bodies of militants were recovered.

It is being said there were 12 militants in the group who entered into this side. Search for remaining four militants is under way, the spokesman said.

This was the second major infiltration bid by militants from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) since the snow started melting.

Last month, six heavily armed infiltrators were killed when they entered into this side from PoK in Rangwar sector.

Officials believe there are about 69 camps where militants are being given arms training in the PoK.

They said more than 1500 militants across the border are trying to sneak into this side.

UNI BAS AK KN1615