The Army on Wednesday said the encounter in which two militants were killed was an infiltration bid from one of the launch pads from across the line of control (LoC) towards the Machil sector in Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir.
Defence spokesman in Srinagar, Lt Col Emran Musavi, said a well-coordinated counter-infiltration grid was implemented in the rugged area.
“Additional ambushes by the Indian Army and J&K Police’s Special Operation Group (SOG) Kupwara were placed along the likely infiltration routes,’’ he said. “The alert troops in ambushes braved continuous bad weather marked by incessant rainfall, poor visibility and a significant drop in temperature for two consecutive nights.”
“Around 8.30am on May 3, militants were sighted by the troops as having infiltrated into own side of the LoC, An intense firefight ensued, resulting in the killing of two militants.”
He said the bodies of the two militants have been recovered, along with two AK series rifles, magazines and a huge quantity of war-like stores. A further search of the area is on.
The spokesman said the identity of militants and the group they are affiliated with are being ascertained.
“This successful intelligence-based operation is another example of close synergy between the Indian Army, J&K Police and all agencies,” he said.
Earlier, the police said that two militants were killed in an encounter with security forces at the Pinchad area of Machil in Kupwara.
It said the encounter started after security forces launched a search operation in the area after information about the presence of militants.
“Encounter going on near Pichnad Machil area of #Kupwara district. Army and Kupwara police on the job. Further details shall follow,” police had tweeted.
