Security forces thwart infiltration bid in Kupwara, engage militants in Doda

JAMMU — In a series of intense encounters, security forces in Jammu and Kashmir successfully foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Kupwara district, while simultaneously engaging militants in Doda’s Kastigarh area.

Kupwara infiltration bid foiled

On Thursday, security forces prevented an infiltration attempt in Kupwara, resulting in the elimination of two militants. According to an army official, the operation in the Keran sector is ongoing, with the bodies of the militants yet to be retrieved. This marks the second successful operation this month, following the elimination of three foreign militants earlier.

“An infiltration attempt has been successfully prevented with the elimination of two terrorists on the LoC in the Keran sector. Anti-infiltration operations are continuing,” Chinar Corps—Indian Army posted on X.

Security forces recovered a significant cache of warlike stores, including three AK series rifles, magazines, pistols, and grenades. Brigadier NR Kulkarni, Commander of the 268 Infantry Brigade, highlighted that intelligence inputs suggested attempts to disrupt normalcy, particularly targeting the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Militants attack in Doda’s Kastigarh area

Meanwhile, in another militancy incident, two army soldiers were injured when militants launched an unprovoked attack on security forces in the Zadan area of Kastigarh Tehsil, Doda district. The incident occurred around 2:30 am at Government High School Zadan, where troops were resting after a search operation.

“Alert troops retaliated, and the firefight continued until dawn. The militants fled, taking advantage of the darkness,” officials reported. The injured soldiers were airlifted to the Command Hospital Northern Command in Udhampur after initial treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Doda.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban range, Shridhar Patil, confirmed that a coordinated operation is underway to apprehend the fleeing militants. Several suspects have been detained for questioning in connection with the incident.

The Kashmir Tigers, an offshoot of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM), have claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing unverified videos on social media.

Ongoing operations and security measures

Both incidents point to the ongoing operations by security forces to maintain peace and prevent militant activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have intensified search operations and increased security measures to ensure the safety of civilians and the success of the Amarnath Yatra amidst these security challenges.