Infiltration bid foiled in Uri, three terrorists killed

An army spokesperson said that they foiled the infiltration attempt by Pakistani terrorists in forward areas of Uri Sector culminating in the killing of three terrorists and recovery of large quantity of warlike stores.

Srinagar: Army and Baramulla Police have neutralised three infiltrators near Madiyan Nanak post in Kamalkote sector of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir, J&K police said on Thursday.

Sources said that the security forces were successful in foiling the infiltration bid by killing three terrorists in the border area. Bodies of all the three infiltrators along with arms and ammunition were recovered from the spot, they added.

Giving details about it, an army spokesperson said that they foiled the infiltration attempt by Pakistani terrorists in forward areas of Uri Sector culminating in the killing of three terrorists and recovery of large quantity of warlike stores. The operation was launched based on specific intelligence from Army Intelligence agencies, the spokesperson said.

"Consequently, on August 24 afternoon multiple ambushes were laid to trap the infiltrators. Intensive electronic surveillance of the suspected area led to the detection of the attempt at 0700h on 25th Aug. Terrorists were hoping to use the cover of thick undergrowth, foliage and continuous rain and low clouds to infiltrate. The contact with terrorists was established at about 08.45 AM on 25 Aug 22 in the forward areas Indian side of the LoC, leading to heavy exchange of fire in which the terrorists were killed. Detailed search of the area was concluded at 2 PM," the spokesperson said in a statement.

The Army searched the area and recovered bodies of the three terrorists along with two AK rifles, one Chinese M-16 rifle and other warlike stores. "Indian Army’s successful operation has not only led to the elimination of three Pakistani terrorists but also has resulted in thwarting Pakistan’s nefarious design and intent to disrupt peace, prosperity and normalcy in J&K. Use of electronic surveillance and intelligence-based operations continue to be the mainstay of IA ops against Pakistan sponsored terror in J&K," added.

The incident happens days after multiple infiltration bids were carried out recently in Rajouri region of Jammu in what army called "a direct attempt by the adversary across our Western borders to disrupt the peace". The infiltration attempts were foiled by the Indian Army deployed on the Line of Control in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. The army has claimed to have killed two infiltrators and captured one alive in these operations.

Has infiltration really decreased?

It is pertinent to mention that the Centre earlier this year said in Parliament that infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) has decreased significantly since 2018 in Jammu and Kashmir, and between 2018 and 2021, an estimatedof 366 infiltrations were reported on the border. Union Minister for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai Home Nityanand has given a written reply to the question of Lok Sabha MP Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt.

He said, “The infiltration across the Line of Control (LoC) has decreased significantly since 2018 in Jammu and Kashmir. The Estimated Net Infiltration during the last four years is 366.” India constructed a 550-kilometre barrier along the 740 kilometres LoC by 2004. The fence generally remains about 140 metres on the Indian-controlled side.

Its stated purpose is to exclude arms smuggling and infiltration by Pakistani-based separatist militants. The barrier, referred to as an Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS), consists of double-row of fencing and concertina wire 8–12 feet in height, and is electrified and connected to a network of motion sensors, thermal imaging devices, lighting systems and alarms.