Army guns down three terrorists in Uri; seizes huge cache of weapons

The Indian Army has eliminated three terrorists in the Rampur sector near Uri on LoC on Thursday. According to reports, the slain militants had recently crossed over from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to the Indian side. Forces have seized five AK-47s, eight pistols and 70 hand grenades recovered from terrorists killed in the operation.

Uri (Jammu and Kashmir): The Indian Army has eliminated three terrorists in the Rampur sector near Uri on LoC on Thursday. According to reports, the slain militants had recently crossed over from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to the Indian side. Forces have seized five AK-47s, eight pistols and 70 hand grenades recovered from terrorists killed in the operation.

In a joint press conference by the General officer commanding of Chinar Corps, Lt. Gen. D.P. Pandey and Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vijay Kumar shared more details about the incident.

Lt. Gen. D.P. Pandey said, "One of the killed infiltrators has been identified as a Pakistani while the identity of other two is being ascertained. The operation has been called off today. Five AK-47 rifles, eight pistols and 70 hand grenades from the terrorists during the operation."

General Pandey added that the army observed movement in Hathlanga forest today morning. He said, "The attempt was eliminated, with neutralisation of three terrorists." The GoC of Chinar Corps said that the Army foiled a similar attempt by infiltrators on September 18.

Lt Gen Pandey also said there has been increased activity at the launch pads on the other side of the LoC recently. "While there was no infiltration since the beginning of the year, there has been a little activity at the launch pads which cannot happen without the knowledge of Pakistan army commanders," he said.

The army had said that on September 19 a group of militants has attempted to infiltrate and searches were launched but the attempt was foiled.

Speaking on the occasion, IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said that terrorist organizations are feeling frustrated by the prevailing peaceful atmosphere, rising number of tourist arrivals and Central ministers, and the peaceful situation post-death of Syed Ali Geelani, there is a change in strategy from across the LoC. "There is a new trend of hybrid and part-time militants, who are being given pistols to carry out target killings during evening hours and then they resume normal activities after a day," the IGP said.

He said this year so far 97 pistols have been recovered from militants, which signifies "hybrid militants are being promoted" to target unarmed policemen, civilians and political leaders.