KL Report

SRINAGAR

Army on Wednesday launched a major operation and pressed helicopters into service to hunt down 12-14 militants who are suspected to have infiltrated into North Kashmir’s Trehgam sector from across the Line of Control (LoC) a day earlier.

A senior Army official while talking to a Srinagar based local news gathering agency GNS said that a group of 12 to 14 militants were spotted by soldiers of 3/3 GR at LoC near Shalbhut which divides the Machil and Keran sector of Kupwara during wee hours Wednesday.

“Militants were asked to surrender, however they opened fire on soldiers upon which the fire was retaliated triggering an encounter,” the official said, adding that in the ensuing gunfight, the infiltrated column has suffered immense causalities.

Sources said that Army pressed choppers into service during the exchange of fire. “During the search operation, Army used sniffer dogs to locate the militants. However, the operation was suspended in view of the darkness.”

“Last week 20 KMAW was relieved by 3/3 GR which is yet to come to terms with the new environment of the area. They are finding it complicated to adjust themselves in the new location in a very short span of time,” sources added.

Unconfirmed reports said that at least ten militants were killed and 3 troopers were injured during the gun fight at Trehgam Sector in Kupwara district.

On Monday, the same group gave slip to troops of 5 ASSAM near Sona Pandi in Machil Sector following which troops launched a massive operation in most parts of Machil, Trehgam and Keran forests.

Official sources said the operation is still in progress and Army has been asked to remain extra vigil in Machil, Trehgam and Keran sectors in the wake of threat of infiltration. (GNS)

 

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