Srinagar
The Army on Sunday foiled an infiltration attempt in the Keran sector in Kupwara, killing six militants. Pakistan is trying hard to push militants into Kashmir to replenish the depleting cadres in Kashmir’s hinterland where the Centre has halted anti-militancy operations for Ramazan, sources said. There have been at least seven infiltration bids in Kupwara district since May 17 when the Union Government announced it was halting anti-militancy operations.

Defence sources said a large group of militants was intercepted by the Army at Iddori near Ustad post in the Keran sector at 2 am, close to the Anti-Infiltration Obstacle System . “When challenged, the militants opened fire, which was retaliated, triggering a fierce gunfight. The gunfight ended after nearly eight hours. Six militants were killed.” A large cache of arms and ammunition were found at the encounter site. Sources claimed the slain militant appeared to be foreign nationals. In Srinagar, defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia confirmed the killings.

Three days ago, a soldier was killed in a suspected Border Action Team attack-cum-infiltration bid close to the Line of Control in Keran sector. The Army claimed he was killed in “standoff fire”.

On May 24, an infiltration attempt by more than 12 militants was foiled in the Keran sector close to the LoC. After a brief exchange of fire, the militants were pushed back into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. They left behind two bags containing ammunition, two folding ladders and walking sticks. The nearly 20-foot-long ladders were apparently used to cross over.