Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 30: Army today foiled fresh infiltration attempt on the Line of Control (LoC) at Tarkundi forward area in Balakote sector of Poonch district and forced a group of four to five militants, who were trying to sneak into the Indian territory late last night, to retreat to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).
This was second infiltration attempt in Tarkundi forward area along the LoC during the past three days.
Official sources said troops observed movement of a group of four to five militants at around 10.35 pm last night when they were trying to move towards the Indian territory from the LoC in Tarkundi forward area of Balakote sector in Poonch district. Troops opened firing immediately to neutralize the militants, who were equipped with heavy weapons and explosive material.
The militants were four to five in number and were carrying ‘pithoo bags’ with them, sources said, adding that they returned to PoK immediately after the troops opened firing at them from their forward positions. The militants were believed to be the Pakistani nationals.
Troops sounded an alert all along the LoC in Balakote sector and maintained strict vigil to ensure that the militants didn’t make second attempt of infiltration like the one made by them on the intervening night on June 27 and 28 when one group of the militants had tried to enter into this side twice but failed due to alertness displayed by the Army personnel.
Sources said there were about 35 to 40 militants camping on Pakistan side opposite Balakote and Mendhar sectors awaiting an opportunity to sneak into this side. They have made repeated attempts to intrude but all their plans have been foiled by the troops manning the forward posts on the LoC.
Troops conducted searches in Balakote and Mendhar sectors this morning but found no traces indicating movement of the militants on this side of the LoC, sources said.
As reported by the Excelsior, Army has been maintaining high alert on the LoC in the wake of reports that the militants would intensify infiltration attempts on the LoC and try to infiltrate in view of forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.
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