One Indian Army soldier was killed, and four others were injured in a BAT action followed by an infiltration bid in North Kashmir's Kupwara district.
One Pakistani intruder was also killed in the gunfight, and arms and ammunition were recovered from the operation site. The Indian Army reported that a group of two to three armed personnel took advantage of bad weather and poor visibility along the Line of Control in the Machhal Sector to cross the LC and fire on a forward Army post from close proximity.
Sources in the security forces said, "BAT action by terrorists, possibly including Pakistani regular army troops (SSG) Special Security Guards, was foiled by the Army, resulting in the death of one Pakistani terrorist. Five soldiers, including an officer of the Indian Army, were injured, with a few in critical condition, in an exchange of fire between the terrorists and the Army at a forward post in Kumkadi, Machhal Sector on the Line of Control. The operation continues."
The Indian Army's alert troops responded vigorously, and in the ensuing exchange of fire, one Pakistani intruder was killed, and weapons, ammunition, and war-like stores were recovered. The identification and affiliation of this Pakistani national are being ascertained.
"During this intense fire exchange, two of our brave soldiers suffered grave injuries and were immediately evacuated to the Base Hospital in Srinagar. Unfortunately, one of these brave hearts succumbed to his injuries. The other soldier is responding well to treatment and care and is presently stable," said an Indian Army official.
The army officials also noted that in the past, similar attempts by infiltrators, actively aided and abetted by the Pakistani Army, have exploited thick foliage and poor visibility conditions but have always been successfully thwarted and disrupted.
"The Indian Army is firm in its resolve and commitment to maintain the sanctity of the Line of Control and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan Army," said an Indian Army official.
The operation continues with additional deployments sent to the site. Security across Jammu and Kashmir, especially along the borders, has been put on high alert after the recent spike in terror incidents in the Union Territory.
After Jammu, now Kashmir borders are heating up. This is the third infiltration bid that has been foiled, and so far, seven Pakistani terrorists have been killed.
