Troops foil first infiltration in 2008, killing 2 militants in J

Srinagar, Feb 22 (UNI) Troops foiled a major infiltration bid, first in 2008, when they gunned down two heavily armed militants who had sneaked into this side, taking advantage of heavy snowfall in Keran sector in Jammu and Kashmir.

A defence ministry spokesman said troops guarding the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector noticed a group of militants sneaking into this side at Rattapar Nar in the early hours today, taking advantage of darkness and heavy snowfall.

When challenged and asked to surrender at a particular place on this side of the border, militants opened fire. Troops also retaliated, killing both the militants on the spot.

He said two AK rifles and other arms and ammunition were recovered from the slain militants.

He said this was the first infiltration attempt by the militants in 2008.

Last year more than 100 militants were killed and captured by the troops after they sneaked into this side from across the border.

Defence authorities recently said there would be no question of lowering the guards after the entire border belt experienced more than 15 feet to 20 feet of snowfall early this month.

They said there was also a major damage to fencing on the border.

Official sources said more than 1500 militants are waiting across the border to sneak into this side from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

UNI BAS SY KP1622