Infiltration bid foiled in Gurez, 2 terrorists killed, says Army

Srinagar, Aug 28: In a counter-infiltration operation, two terrorists were killed in the Gurez sector of Bandipore district in north Kashmir during a joint operation conducted by the Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police while another soldier was Killed in Action in frontier district of Kupwara.

The operation in Gurez was launched following specific intelligence inputs about a possible infiltration attempt across the Line of Control (LoC). Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps said, alert troops deployed in the high-altitude Gurez sector spotted suspicious movement near the LoC during the early hours of the day. Upon being challenged by joint parties, the infiltrators opened indiscriminate fire.

The troops responded swiftly and effectively, killing two heavily armed terrorists in the ensuing firefight.

“OP NAUSHERA NAR IV, Bandipora – Based on intelligence provided by JKP regarding a likely infiltration attempt, a joint operation was launched by #IndianArmy and @JmuKmrPolice in Gurez Sector. Alert troops spotted suspicious activity and challenged, which resulted in terrorists opening indiscriminate fire. Troops responded with effective fire, neutralising two terrorists. Operation is in progress. #Kashmir @adgpi @NorthernComd_IA,” Chinar Corps Indian Army said in a post on X.

Police officials said that the identities and affiliations of the terrorists are being ascertained. Arms, ammunition, and other war-like stores were recovered from the site of the encounter. A detailed search operation is currently underway to rule out the presence of any additional infiltrators in the area.

The Gurez sector, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipore district, has long been one of the vulnerable infiltration routes used by terrorists attempting to enter Kashmir from across the border. The terrain in the area is rugged and snow-covered for much of the year, which makes such operations extremely challenging.

This latest operation is part of a heightened security grid along the LoC and in the hinterland of Jammu and Kashmir, especially ahead of the winter months when infiltration attempts traditionally increase before mountain passes become impassable.

Another soldier was Killed In Action (KIA) in Kupwara district of north Kashmir and Army has paid to tributes to fallen personnel.“Chinar Corps honours the supreme sacrifice of Braveheart Havildar Ikbal Ali, while performing operational duty in Kupwara district. His courage and dedication will forever inspire us.Chinar Warriors salute the valour and sacrifice of the Braveheart. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved family and are committed to their well being.#IndianArmy@adgpi@NorthernComd_IA,” Chinar Corps- Indian Army said in another post on x. “Lt Gen Pratik Sharma, #ArmyCdrNC compliments #ChinarCorps for their swift action & precise execution in neutralising two terrorists in the ongoing Operation #NausheraNarIV, #Bandipora. #IndianArmy stands by its commitment to keep #JammuKashmir terror-free,” tweeted Northern Command-Indian Army.