Srinagar, Sep 16: In a meticulously coordinated operation on Saturday, a joint party comprised of the Army and Jammu and Kashmir forces successfully thwarted a major infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in Hathlanga Nala, located in the northern region of Baramulla district. The operation resulted in the elimination of three foreign terrorists and the recovery of a cache of weapons and incriminating materials.

A joint press conference of Police and Army was held at 19 Div. Headquarters Baramulla. It was attended by PMS Dhillion, Commander 161 Brigade, Ankur Suhag, CO 5 Jack Rifles and Vivek Gupta, DIG North Kashmir Range.

PMS Dhillion, Commander 161 Brigade said that Army on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid along the LoC in Baramulla district. There have been intelligence inputs from multiple intelligence agencies regarding terrorist groups planning to infiltrate from across the LoC.

He said there were inputs about the presence of three terrorists attempting to infiltrate in the vicinity of the Hathlanga area. Upon engagement, a firefight ensued with these terrorists, lasting approximately two hours.

“During this engagement, one terrorist was neutralized, and the other two sustained injuries. Subsequently, another firefight occurred around 9:15 AM, resulting in the neutralization of the second terrorist. Meanwhile, the third terrorist managed to exfiltrate with the support of Pakistan Army, who provided covering fire for the escape,” PMS Dhillon Commander 161.

He said on the basis of inputs, the anti-infiltration & surveillance grid was tightened in the area and ambushes were sighted.The alert troops in Uri Sector noticed a group of terrorist attempting to cross the LoC at Hathlanga Nala during wee hours of the day,” he said.

PMS Dhillon said contact was established in which one terrorist was neutralized in a two hours long gunfight. While searching for the other two terrorists, one of the terrorists opened up fire from hiding, thus re-establishing contact. The second terrorist & his body was recovered by 1230 hr, he said.

The officer said that the third terrorist was also engaged who was supported by fire from a Pakistan Army post at LoC. The third terrorist fell down towards the enemy side of LoC. While the operation was under progress the quad copter was also flown to ascertain the whereabouts of the third terrorist.

“However, a Pakistan Army post in the near vicinity fired on the quad copter establishing the support of Pakistan Army in abetting terrorism and assisting terrorists to infiltrate across LoC,” he said.

PMS Dhillon said the joint operation by the Indian Army and JK Police lasted for eight hours, in which three terrorists were killed.

“Meanwhile, forces recovered two AK series rifles, one pistol, seven hand grenades, one IED, cash of Rs 46,000/- (Indian currency), Rs 6000/- (Pak currency) and other war like stores from the spot,” he said.

PMS Dhillon said this operation has once again highlighted the nefarious design of Pakistan Army in supporting terrorism and the intent to disturb normalcy and prevailing peace in Kashmir.