Four Pak infiltrators killed in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 28: Army troops today foiled a major infiltration bid when they gunned down four heavily armed militants in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence ministry spokesman said.

He said troops of seven para, guarding the border noticed a group of militants sneaking into this side from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) in Machil sector early this morning under the cover of darkness.

When challenged and asked to surrender near a particular area at Lashdat, the infiltrators opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons. Troops also retaliated and in the fierce clash four militants were killed.

So far four AK rifles and other large quantities of arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

Officials said as many as 47 infiltration attempts were made by the militants from across the border during this year. However, alert troops guarding the Line of Control foiled majority of such bids by gunning down more than 50 militants immediately after they sneaked into this side.

They said a large number of militants, including from other countries, were waiting in the launch camps near the border for an opportunity to sneak into this side before the infiltration routes are closed due to snowfall in the winter.

The officials said fencing and installations of sophisticated gadgets, and intensified foot and night patrolling on the LoC had helped to check the infiltration.

More than 100 militants, including their families had surrendered before the security forces immediately after their return from the PoK, mostly in the Uri sector.

Officials added that youths from Kashmir, who had crossed over to other side for receiving arms training were also eager to return back to their homes and led a normal and peaceful life as they were being discriminated in the camps.

UNI