SRINAGAR: The Indian Army stated on Thursday that its males defending the Line of Control (LoC) foiled yet one more infiltration bid alongside the de facto border by killing a militant in Poonch sector.

White Knight Corps, the Indian Army’s Nagrota (Jammu)-based 16 Corps, stated {that a} “major infiltration bid” was foiled by the troops within the Poonch sector by killing a militant. It tweeted, “Major infiltration bid was eliminated by #IndianArmy, in #Poonch Sector. Indian Army neutralised one terrorist, recovered weapons, ammunition and warlike store. Operation is in progress.”

A defence spokesman stated in Jammu that the Army troops noticed suspicious motion of some individuals alongside the LoC within the Poonch sector “wherein they were trying to infiltrate into the Indian side”. He added, “But the alert troops challenged the infiltrators on which the terrorists fired upon own troops. In the ensuing exchange of fire, one terrorist was killed whose body has been recovered along with two AK-47 rifles, one pistol and other war like stores.”

On October 31, the Army had stated {that a} Pakistani militant was killed by it as he tried to infiltrate within the Jumagund space of the LoC’s Keran sector (Kupwara district).

Earlier on October 26, the Army had stated that it along with Jammu and Kashmir police foiled an infiltration bid from throughout the LoC in Sudpora space (Tanghdar sector) of Kupwara district by killing a militant who was a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and a member of Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT). It had stated that the killing of the LeT militant whereas attempting to sneak into J&Okay “points to the neighbouring country’s never-ending effort to disrupt peace in the Union Territory”.

A press release issued by the Army right here had stated, “Continued engagements along the LoC are uncanny reminders of efforts by Pakistan to infuse terrorism in Kashmir and disrupt peace and harmony while putting on the facade of ceasefire understanding.” It alleged that the youth in PoJK “are being used as cannon fodder by Pakistan state policy from the last three decades with a fruitless aim to constantly disrupt progress towards collective peace”.

Lt. General ADS Aujla, the commander of Srinagar-based 15 Corps (also called Chinar Corps), advised reporters right here on Tuesday, “Right now the situation (along the LoC) is completely under control, but whenever there is an opportunity, there are attempts to infiltrate, but the Indian Army is ready with full force to protect our border.”

Meanwhile, a wreath laying ceremony was organised by the Army in honour of Major Somnath Sharma, the primary Param Vir Chakra recipient (posthumously), on the ‘Saviours of Kashmir War Memorial’ positioned on the Srinagar International Airport on Thursday.

Maj. Sharma of the 4th battalion of the Kumaon Regiment had led ‘D’ Company of his battalion at Budgam close to right here towards the tribal raiders of Pakistan approaching Srinagar from the North on November 3, 1947. “Despite being heavily outnumbered and coming under heavy fire, the D company under the leadership of Maj. Sharma foiled the enemy’s advance towards Srinagar airfield during the crucial hours. In this decisive battle of 1947, Maj. Sharma along with one Junior Commissioned Officer and 20 other ranks made the supreme sacrifice, defending the motherland against all odds,” a press release issued by the Army right here stated.

It added, “For his ultimate courage, leadership and dedication beyond the call of duty, Maj. Sharma was conferred with the country’s first and highest war time Gallantry Award, the Param Vir Chakra posthumously.”

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