Two infiltrators killed in Kupwara’s Machil sector

KUPWARA — Braving incessant rainfall, poor visibility and significant temperature drop, Army on Tuesday said that two infiltrators were killed in a joint operation with police at Pinchad area in Machil sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The operation, army said, was launched on May 1 following specific infiltration inputs.

“Based on the specific intelligence inputs of likely infiltration from one of the militant launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) towards Machil sector, troops were put on a high alert on May 1,’’ an army official said.

In a statement issued to the news agency KNO, a Defence spokesman in Srinagar said that a well-coordinated counter-infiltration grid was put in place in this rugged and extremely difficult area. “A number of additional ambushes including those of Army and SoG Kupwara were placed along the likely routes of infiltration. The alert troops in ambushes braved continuous bad weather marked by incessant rainfall, poor visibility and a significant drop in temperature for two consecutive nights,’’ he said.

The Defence spokesman said that early morning on May 3, at around 08:30 AM, militants were sighted by the troops, having infiltrated towards their own side of the Line of Control. “Intense firefight ensued, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists,’’ he said.

Bodies of two militants, the Defence spokesman said, have been recovered along with two AK series rifles, magazines and huge quantities of war-like stores. “Further extensive search of the area is under progress,” he said.

He also said that the identity of militants and affiliated militant groups is being ascertained. “This successful intelligence-based operation is yet another example of close synergy between the Indian Army, J&K Police and all agencies,” he said.

“The security forces stand steadfast to defeat the nefarious designs of inimical elements supported by our adversary to disrupt peace and harmony of the area,” he added.

The Defence spokesman said that the recoveries include two AK-47 riffles with six magazines, 159 rounds, and two hand grenades. He also said that besides war-like stores, eatables and cigarettes with Pakistan markings on them were recovered. “Pakistan currency of Rs 660 was also recovered from the killed infiltrators,” he said.