Security Forces Foil Infiltration Bid Ahead of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections

Two heavily armed terrorists were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Rajouri district ahead of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The incident occurred near the Line of Control in the Nowshera sector. Security forces, including the Army and police, successfully foiled the infiltration attempt.

Days ahead of the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, two heavily armed terrorists were killed in a gunfight with the security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district, officials said on Monday.

The encounter erupted in the Laam area of the Nowshera sector late on Sunday night after vigilant Army troops spotted terrorists attempting to infiltrate from across the border, they reported.

The assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled for three phases: September 18, September 25, and October 1.

"In a joint operation with Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Army successfully thwarted an infiltration bid by terrorists in the Nowshera sector. Intelligence inputs since August 30 indicated the presence of terrorists opposite the Nowshera Sector. We monitored all potential infiltration routes," said Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. He added that ground-based and aerial surveillance assets were utilized to oversee the area.

"We increased the frequency of area domination patrols and strategically deployed troops to prevent terrorist infiltration," the defence spokesperson stated. On the night of September 8, around 7:30 pm, surveillance teams noted suspicious movement, Bartwal said. "A fierce gunfight ensued, continuing through the night. UAVs, night cameras, and other surveillance equipment were deployed to track the terrorists," he explained, adding that two terrorists were neutralized in the firefight. At dawn on September 9, a search operation was conducted to clear any remaining threats, Lt Col Bartwal added. "A significant cache of war-like stores, including two AK-47 rifles, one M-4 rifle with sight, and one pistol was recovered," he noted.

He stated that the Army's swift and coordinate response underscored the synergy between the Army, police, and intelligence agencies. "Search operations continue to ensure the area is entirely secure. The Army remains vigilant and committed to defeating any future attempts," he concluded.

(With inputs from agencies.)