Srinagar, June 13 : Police and army on Tuesday said that two infiltrators were killed along the Line of Control in Machil sector in Kupwara district. Police termed it “significant achievement” in the ongoing efforts to counter militancy and ensure the “safety of the region”.
“In a joint operation launched by Army (57RR), Kupwara Police & TA 160 Bn, two (militants) have been neutralized in Doganar Machil sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district,” a police spokesperson said in a statement. “This operation marks a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to counter (militancy) and ensure the safety of the region.”
He said based on “actionable intelligence”, Army alongwith Kupwara police swiftly launched a meticulously planned operation in Machil sector. “The joint team displayed exceptional valor, professionalism, and tactical expertise in conducting this operation, which resulted in the elimination of two unknown (militants), who as per the intelligence reports are believed to be foreigners and linked with HM who were trying to infiltrate to our side.”
The identification of the killed militants is being ascertained. “Arms and ammunition including 02 AK 47 rifles, 04 AK Magazines, 48 AK rounds, 04 grenades and other incriminating materials have been recovered from the site of encounter.”
ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar congratulated the joint team for carrying out the successful operation without any collateral damage. “In his message, ADGP Kashmir said that the successful neutralization of the (militants) in the Machil sector sends a strong message to those who attempt to infiltrate and disrupt peace along the LoC,” he was quoted as saying by the spokesperson in the statement. “Police and security forces are fully capable and resolute in defending the sovereignty of the nation and protecting its citizens,” he said, adding, “Earlier in the last month, two (militants) were also killed who were trying to infiltrate to our side.”
In this regard, police said, a case under relevant sections of law has been registered and further investigation is in progress.
A defence ministry spokesman based in Srinagar in a statement issued said, “On specific intelligence inputs received of likely infiltration from Macchal Sector from JKP and other intelligence agencies including Military Intelligence a Joint Operation by Indian Army and JKP was planned in area Doga Nar on night 12/13 June where multiple ambushes were laid along the likely routes of infiltration.”
On 13 June at around 1300 hours, the spokesman said, ambush teams observed two heavily armed militants crossing the LoC. “They were engaged by ambush teams. Fire fight ensued resulting in elimination of both infiltrating (militants),” he said, adding, “Identity of the (militants) and their tanzeem (outfit) affiliation is being ascertained.” The spokesman said that two AK series rifles, four hand grenades and other “warlike” store were recovered.
“This successful intelligence based operation is yet another example of close synergy between Indian Army, JKP and all agencies,” he said, adding, “The security forces stand steadfast to defeat the nefarious designs of inimical elements supported by our adversary to disrupt peace and harmony in Kashmir.”