Infiltration bid foiled in Jammu

By Shujaat Bukhari

JAMMU OCT. 14. Security forces foiled infiltration attempts in the Kerni area in Poonch and Sundabani in Rajouri sector on Thursday and killed four intruders.

Police sources here told The Hindu that security forces cordoned off the Mahore area in Udhampur district after a tip-off that a large number of militants were hiding there. During search operations in the dense woods, militants fired on the security forces. In the ensuing gun battle, six hardcore militants - all foreigners - were killed. Sources said they were affiliated to Masood Azhar's Jaish-e-Mohammad and Al Badr militant outfits. They were on their way to Kashmir and were part of a large group. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was recovered from them.

An Army jawan, identified as Devendar Singh, also lost his life, while Subedar Nathu Singh was injured.

In the Kerni part of the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch sector, a group of militants tried to sneak in with a large quantity of arms. However, the troops challenged them and in the encounter that followed three intruders were killed. The remaining militants fled.

In another incident, an intruder was shot dead in the Sundarbani area in Rajouri when he tried to cross over the border. His associate fled.

Three militants were killed in an encounter between militants and security forces in Doda district, police sources said. Another was killed in Bhudal area of Rajouri. Arms and ammunition were recovered from the militants.

Youth escape from militants

Seven youth from Poonch managed to escape from militants who had kidnapped them to be sent across the border. A defence spokesman said the youth were taken from Poonch on September 30 to Doda. They were housed in a makeshift camp and given training in handling arms. They returned home on October 9.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : National
Previous : Vigil stepped up around J&K Assembly complex
Next     : 'Joint plan needed to remove urban-rural divide'