Major infiltration bid along LoC foiled, 3 militants killed

Srinagar: Alert troops on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing three militants.Defence ministry spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia told UNI that troops guarding the LoC noticed a group of militants sneaking into this side from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in Machil sector in the wee hours under the cover of darkness.

However, when challenged and asked to surrender, the militants opened indiscriminate firing with automatic weapons, which was retaliated, ensuing in an encounter.Three militants have been killed so far, Col Kalia said, adding that the entire area has been sealed and a massive search operation was going on when the reports last came in.Five militants were killed on May 25 immediately after they sneaked into this side from PoK at Eagle post in Tangdhar sector while another infiltrator was gunned down in Keran sector on June 3.

Senior Army officer said that a large number of militants are waiting at launch pads near the LoC in PoK to infiltrate into this side this summer. However, troops are on high alert to foil any such attempt, he said.(UNI)