News Analysis India

Tag: Line of Control

  • Eastern Ladakh: Amidst prevailing tensions deterrent capabilities beefed up

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: While the tensions prevail along the Line of Control in Eastern Ladakh work on beefing the overall military capability to match the Chinese build-up continues. 

    Sources said, “Plan is to refurbish all the Air Bases in Ladakh and the government has already given permissions to develop the Nyoma Airbase into a full-fledged fighter base.”

    Ladakh already has Leh and Thoise which are capable of supporting fighter aircraft operations. The Demchok Sector has Fukche Advanced Landing Ground also. 

    Nyoma is at over 13,000 feet and is less than 50 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Fighter aircraft, new radars, and upgraded drones for enhancing surveillance in Ladakh can operate from there.

    The next focus will be on constructing hangars to safeguard the fighters from the vagaries of weather and terrain, the sources added.

    The movement has been towards strengthening the deterrent military posture and there has been deployment of troops, weaponry and Platforms. “We have paid every attention to sustain our deployed forces, monitor the enemy build and be ready, even with fighter operations, if the need arises.”

    In terms of platforms strategic airlift transport aircraft and helicopters have played an important role since the standoff which began in May 2020. The area also saw the quick deployment of fighters like the Rafale, Sukhoi and Jaguars. Even MiG-29 fighters were moved ahead in a mirror deployment to that of China.

    The Chinese side has also significantly improved its military infrastructure including its air force facilities in areas bordering India, have been constructing new airbases and expanding existing ones.

    There have also been instances when Chinese fighter jets flew extremely close to India’s defences.

    Multiple Divisions Airlifted 

    With the Chinese People’s Liberation Army moving in its troops in large numbers, the Indian Air Force had to swing into action pressing its strategic airlift transport fleet. Over 68,000 troops were moved within a limited period to forward locations and 90 tanks, 330 Infantry Combat Vehicles, the Russian BMPs, and several artillery guns, were airlifted, a total load exceeding 9000 tonnes, sources said. 

    Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) from the forward bases are operated gathering for surveillance operations.

    The story of clashes in Ladakh was broken by TNIE in May 2020. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be still locked in standoff mode in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

    The heightened deployments from both sides continue in the area and there have been no clashes since Galwan of June 2020.

    Meanwhile, the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks to discuss de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh is scheduled for August 14.

    Upgraded Israeli Heron UAVs

    “We have enhanced our surveillance capabilities and are looking at furthering it by deploying the latest technology that will allow us to catch Chinese activities even deeper,” said the sources in the security establishment.

    Sources said the Indian Air Force has recently procured four new Heron Mk2 drones that are the upgraded versions of the existing fleet and will be put into operation in Ladakh. 

    NEW DELHI: While the tensions prevail along the Line of Control in Eastern Ladakh work on beefing the overall military capability to match the Chinese build-up continues. 

    Sources said, “Plan is to refurbish all the Air Bases in Ladakh and the government has already given permissions to develop the Nyoma Airbase into a full-fledged fighter base.”

    Ladakh already has Leh and Thoise which are capable of supporting fighter aircraft operations. The Demchok Sector has Fukche Advanced Landing Ground also. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    Nyoma is at over 13,000 feet and is less than 50 km from the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Fighter aircraft, new radars, and upgraded drones for enhancing surveillance in Ladakh can operate from there.

    The next focus will be on constructing hangars to safeguard the fighters from the vagaries of weather and terrain, the sources added.

    The movement has been towards strengthening the deterrent military posture and there has been deployment of troops, weaponry and Platforms. “We have paid every attention to sustain our deployed forces, monitor the enemy build and be ready, even with fighter operations, if the need arises.”

    In terms of platforms strategic airlift transport aircraft and helicopters have played an important role since the standoff which began in May 2020. The area also saw the quick deployment of fighters like the Rafale, Sukhoi and Jaguars. Even MiG-29 fighters were moved ahead in a mirror deployment to that of China.

    The Chinese side has also significantly improved its military infrastructure including its air force facilities in areas bordering India, have been constructing new airbases and expanding existing ones.

    There have also been instances when Chinese fighter jets flew extremely close to India’s defences.

    Multiple Divisions Airlifted 

    With the Chinese People’s Liberation Army moving in its troops in large numbers, the Indian Air Force had to swing into action pressing its strategic airlift transport fleet. Over 68,000 troops were moved within a limited period to forward locations and 90 tanks, 330 Infantry Combat Vehicles, the Russian BMPs, and several artillery guns, were airlifted, a total load exceeding 9000 tonnes, sources said. 

    Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) from the forward bases are operated gathering for surveillance operations.

    The story of clashes in Ladakh was broken by TNIE in May 2020. Indian and Chinese troops continue to be still locked in standoff mode in Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

    The heightened deployments from both sides continue in the area and there have been no clashes since Galwan of June 2020.

    Meanwhile, the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks to discuss de-escalation in Eastern Ladakh is scheduled for August 14.

    Upgraded Israeli Heron UAVs

    “We have enhanced our surveillance capabilities and are looking at furthering it by deploying the latest technology that will allow us to catch Chinese activities even deeper,” said the sources in the security establishment.

    Sources said the Indian Air Force has recently procured four new Heron Mk2 drones that are the upgraded versions of the existing fleet and will be put into operation in Ladakh. 

  • PIN code 193224: First post office in India at LoC run by a postmaster and three mail runners

    Express News Service

    SRINAGAR:  The first post office in India, which was, until recently, referred to as the last post office, is located on the banks of the Kishenganga River near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir. 

    The post office, bearing PIN code 193224, is run by a postmaster and three mail runners. It was known as the last post office of the country until recently. Now the signboard near it describes it as the “First Post Office of India”.

    The post office is located right on the edge of Pak-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) where the LoC divides the anxious nations. A stream passes between, known as Kishenganga River on one side of the LoC and Neelum River on the other. On the Indian bank of the river, stands the post office

    With the border ceasefire between India and Pakistan troops undisturbed in the past two years, the postmaster Shakir Bhat and three mail runners are distributing the mail with significant ease, without the fear of being caught in a border fire-fight or shelling.

    Earlier, mail runners were hesitant in delivering mail to the army posted at the LoC and to the local population out of the fear of the barrage of bullets that were exchanged across the border occasionally.The thawing of ice between India and Pakistan, with decreasing cross-border hostilities between the two nations, has made the life of the locals relatively easier. Those working at the post office echoed a similar relief.

    It is a historic post office, being operational even before the two countries were divided in hate in 1947. The post office did not refrain from its duties towards the people and troops even as the hostilities between Indian and Pakistan forces reached their peak in 1965, 1971 and 1998 Kargil wars between the two nuclear-armed neighbouring states. 

    The post office has been functioning out of the house of postmaster Shakir ever since 1993 when the post office was washed away in the flash floods. A local Tufail Ahmed Bhat said that the post office mostly received mail and speed posts for and from army personnel posted at the LoC.

    It takes three days for speed posts to reach the Keran post office, from where postmaster Shakir and the three mail runners take them to their destination without fail. He said the post office has recently become an attraction for tourists, who are visiting Keran after the border area was relatively demilitarized and opened to visitors last year.

    After the improvement in the ground situation in J&K and the cessation of India-Pakistan hostilities at the LoC, the authorities have thrown open many border areas including Keran, Karnah, Uri, Gurez, etc to visitors. Earlier, these border areas used to be completely inaccessible to outsiders and even for the local population.

    SRINAGAR:  The first post office in India, which was, until recently, referred to as the last post office, is located on the banks of the Kishenganga River near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir. 

    The post office, bearing PIN code 193224, is run by a postmaster and three mail runners. It was known as the last post office of the country until recently. Now the signboard near it describes it as the “First Post Office of India”.

    The post office is located right on the edge of Pak-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) where the LoC divides the anxious nations. A stream passes between, known as Kishenganga River on one side of the LoC and Neelum River on the other. On the Indian bank of the river, stands the post officegoogletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    With the border ceasefire between India and Pakistan troops undisturbed in the past two years, the postmaster Shakir Bhat and three mail runners are distributing the mail with significant ease, without the fear of being caught in a border fire-fight or shelling.

    Earlier, mail runners were hesitant in delivering mail to the army posted at the LoC and to the local population out of the fear of the barrage of bullets that were exchanged across the border occasionally.
    The thawing of ice between India and Pakistan, with decreasing cross-border hostilities between the two nations, has made the life of the locals relatively easier. Those working at the post office echoed a similar relief.

    It is a historic post office, being operational even before the two countries were divided in hate in 1947. The post office did not refrain from its duties towards the people and troops even as the hostilities between Indian and Pakistan forces reached their peak in 1965, 1971 and 1998 Kargil wars between the two nuclear-armed neighbouring states. 

    The post office has been functioning out of the house of postmaster Shakir ever since 1993 when the post office was washed away in the flash floods. A local Tufail Ahmed Bhat said that the post office mostly received mail and speed posts for and from army personnel posted at the LoC.

    It takes three days for speed posts to reach the Keran post office, from where postmaster Shakir and the three mail runners take them to their destination without fail. He said the post office has recently become an attraction for tourists, who are visiting Keran after the border area was relatively demilitarized and opened to visitors last year.

    After the improvement in the ground situation in J&K and the cessation of India-Pakistan hostilities at the LoC, the authorities have thrown open many border areas including Keran, Karnah, Uri, Gurez, etc to visitors. Earlier, these border areas used to be completely inaccessible to outsiders and even for the local population.

  • Infiltration bid foiled along LoC in J&K; one ultra killed 

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: The Army on Thursday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing one terrorist.

    “Indian Army eliminated an infiltration attempt in forward areas of Tangdhar sector on the night of 15/16 February 2023, thereby preventing efforts of Pakistan to destabilise peace and tranquillity in Kashmir valley and successfully maintaining higher moral ascendancy over the enemy along the Line of Control,” a defence spokesman said here.

    Giving details, the spokesman said troops deployed in an anti-infiltration grid detected movement of three terrorists across the LoC while they were approaching the LoC fence.

    “On being challenged at close proximity to the post, an intense firefight ensued between the terrorists and alert troops, resulting in successful elimination of one terrorist, while grievously injuring the other. The injured terrorist managed to flee to PoJK, along with the third terrorist, taking advantage of darkness,” he added.

    The spokesman said a search operation was launched in the morning following which a body was recovered.

    An AK series rifle, one light automatic weapon, six magazines, two grenades and large quantity of war-like stores was also recovered.

    “Continued infiltration bids along the LoC are an uncanny reminder of Pakistan’s efforts to orchestrate terrorism in Kashmir valley and disrupt peace and harmony, while putting on the facade of ceasefire understanding,” he added.

    SRINAGAR: The Army on Thursday foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir, killing one terrorist.

    “Indian Army eliminated an infiltration attempt in forward areas of Tangdhar sector on the night of 15/16 February 2023, thereby preventing efforts of Pakistan to destabilise peace and tranquillity in Kashmir valley and successfully maintaining higher moral ascendancy over the enemy along the Line of Control,” a defence spokesman said here.

    Giving details, the spokesman said troops deployed in an anti-infiltration grid detected movement of three terrorists across the LoC while they were approaching the LoC fence.

    “On being challenged at close proximity to the post, an intense firefight ensued between the terrorists and alert troops, resulting in successful elimination of one terrorist, while grievously injuring the other. The injured terrorist managed to flee to PoJK, along with the third terrorist, taking advantage of darkness,” he added.

    The spokesman said a search operation was launched in the morning following which a body was recovered.

    An AK series rifle, one light automatic weapon, six magazines, two grenades and large quantity of war-like stores was also recovered.

    “Continued infiltration bids along the LoC are an uncanny reminder of Pakistan’s efforts to orchestrate terrorism in Kashmir valley and disrupt peace and harmony, while putting on the facade of ceasefire understanding,” he added.

  • Better to close down dozen offices than losing a single human life: Union Min on Pandits terror threat

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Indicating a thaw in the government’s stance on relocation of under-threat Kashmiri Pandit employees from the valley, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said it is better to save a human life even if it means closing down a dozen offices.

    He also hit out at the opposition parties accusing them of following the policy of appeasement to the extent of being “inhuman”.

    He alleged that these parties not only discriminated between people but also went to the extent of discriminating between Line of Control and International Border purely for vote considerations.

    “This should be addressed amicably and with sensitivity. My personal opinion is that nothing can be more valuable than a human life,” the minister told reporters in Kathua.

    “If there is a threat even to one life, it is better to save that life even if it means closing down a dozen offices.” Singh was in Kathua to lay the foundation stone of central PMGSY road from Bakhta to Magloor in Jalota area.

    ALSO READ| Chalk out middle path to address issues of Kashmiri Pandits: Mehbooba Mufti

    Addressing a public rally after the ceremony, Singh said the previous governments headed by opposition parties crossed all limits of ethics and propriety when they allowed reservation for people living along LoC but denied the same benefits to the people living along the IB.

    “They did so because their MLAs were elected from the areas along the LoC, some of whom also became the ministers. They denied the same benefit to the people living along IB or on the Pakistan border, mostly in Kathua and Samba districts, because the people here did not vote for them,” the Union minister said.

    He said this discrepancy was corrected only after the Modi government came to power when the people living near the IB were given justice with the grant of four per cent reservation, the same as people living along LoC.

    ALSO READ| Kashmiri Pandits hold barefoot march in Jammu, demand to ensure their ‘Right to Life’

    Singh also said the government was making efforts to set up a satellite hospital and Tata Cancer Centre in Kathua.

    “This will provide the latest hi-tech facility for cancer patients from J&K, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.”

    ALSO READ| Will turn colonies into ‘graveyards’, militants to Pandits

    On Keedian Gandyal bridge, he said it was not constructed over the last 70 years because it would have benefitted mere 2,000 people, but “we had the courage and conviction to construct a bridge for these people at a cost of over Rs 150 Crore”.

    Along the route of the holy Machil Yatra before 2014 there were neither toilets, nor mobile connectivity, nor electricity because these people did not figure in their list of the vote bank, he said.

    ALSO READ| Nine Kashmiri Pandits killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 3 years: Govt

    “It is this government which set up toilets and mobile towers there and recently sanctioned one exclusive solar power plant for the village,” he added.

    Referring to one of the first Industrial Biotech Parks which has been set up in Kathua, Singh said people will realise its worth over a period of time.

    He said that due to the Modi government the Shahpur Kandi project was revived after 40 years, and the Ujh multipurpose irrigation project, which was conceived for the first-time during Maharaja’s rule, is also scheduled to take off very soon.

    JAMMU: Indicating a thaw in the government’s stance on relocation of under-threat Kashmiri Pandit employees from the valley, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said it is better to save a human life even if it means closing down a dozen offices.

    He also hit out at the opposition parties accusing them of following the policy of appeasement to the extent of being “inhuman”.

    He alleged that these parties not only discriminated between people but also went to the extent of discriminating between Line of Control and International Border purely for vote considerations.

    “This should be addressed amicably and with sensitivity. My personal opinion is that nothing can be more valuable than a human life,” the minister told reporters in Kathua.

    “If there is a threat even to one life, it is better to save that life even if it means closing down a dozen offices.” Singh was in Kathua to lay the foundation stone of central PMGSY road from Bakhta to Magloor in Jalota area.

    ALSO READ| Chalk out middle path to address issues of Kashmiri Pandits: Mehbooba Mufti

    Addressing a public rally after the ceremony, Singh said the previous governments headed by opposition parties crossed all limits of ethics and propriety when they allowed reservation for people living along LoC but denied the same benefits to the people living along the IB.

    “They did so because their MLAs were elected from the areas along the LoC, some of whom also became the ministers. They denied the same benefit to the people living along IB or on the Pakistan border, mostly in Kathua and Samba districts, because the people here did not vote for them,” the Union minister said.

    He said this discrepancy was corrected only after the Modi government came to power when the people living near the IB were given justice with the grant of four per cent reservation, the same as people living along LoC.

    ALSO READ| Kashmiri Pandits hold barefoot march in Jammu, demand to ensure their ‘Right to Life’

    Singh also said the government was making efforts to set up a satellite hospital and Tata Cancer Centre in Kathua.

    “This will provide the latest hi-tech facility for cancer patients from J&K, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh.”

    ALSO READ| Will turn colonies into ‘graveyards’, militants to Pandits

    On Keedian Gandyal bridge, he said it was not constructed over the last 70 years because it would have benefitted mere 2,000 people, but “we had the courage and conviction to construct a bridge for these people at a cost of over Rs 150 Crore”.

    Along the route of the holy Machil Yatra before 2014 there were neither toilets, nor mobile connectivity, nor electricity because these people did not figure in their list of the vote bank, he said.

    ALSO READ| Nine Kashmiri Pandits killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 3 years: Govt

    “It is this government which set up toilets and mobile towers there and recently sanctioned one exclusive solar power plant for the village,” he added.

    Referring to one of the first Industrial Biotech Parks which has been set up in Kathua, Singh said people will realise its worth over a period of time.

    He said that due to the Modi government the Shahpur Kandi project was revived after 40 years, and the Ujh multipurpose irrigation project, which was conceived for the first-time during Maharaja’s rule, is also scheduled to take off very soon.

  • Army foils infiltration bid, kills three terrorists along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch

    By PTI

    JAMMU: The army foiled an infiltration bid and gunned down three terrorist in an encounter along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

    While the body of one of the terrorists was recovered by soldiers, bodies of the other two, lying across the LoC, were taken back by villagers of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said.

    “At about 1000 hours today, alert soldiers of the army observed suspicious movement of some individuals along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector (J-K), wherein they were trying to infiltrate across the Line of Control into the Indian side,” a defence spokesman said.

    The soldiers challenged the infiltrators who opened fire on them, he said.

    In an ensuing fire fight, three terrorists was killed, the officials said.

    Body of one of the terrorists has been recovered along with two AK-47 rifles, a pistol and war-like stores, the spokesman said.

    The villagers in PoK carried back the bodies of the other two terrorists, the officials said.

    The operation continues and a search of the area is underway, the defence spokesman said.

    JAMMU: The army foiled an infiltration bid and gunned down three terrorist in an encounter along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Thursday, officials said.

    While the body of one of the terrorists was recovered by soldiers, bodies of the other two, lying across the LoC, were taken back by villagers of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), they said.

    “At about 1000 hours today, alert soldiers of the army observed suspicious movement of some individuals along the Line of Control in the Poonch sector (J-K), wherein they were trying to infiltrate across the Line of Control into the Indian side,” a defence spokesman said.

    The soldiers challenged the infiltrators who opened fire on them, he said.

    In an ensuing fire fight, three terrorists was killed, the officials said.

    Body of one of the terrorists has been recovered along with two AK-47 rifles, a pistol and war-like stores, the spokesman said.

    The villagers in PoK carried back the bodies of the other two terrorists, the officials said.

    The operation continues and a search of the area is underway, the defence spokesman said.

  • Pakistani LeT terrorist killed in failed infiltration bid along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed on Wednesday as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said.

    The operation was launched in the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammed Shakur (32) from Syedpura in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said.

    The joint operation was launched based on specific information received from the police regarding the infiltration of a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists through the Sudpura forward post in the Karnah area of Kupwara district.

    The inputs were corroborated by other intelligence agencies, the spokesperson said in a statement.

    “Alert troops on the anti-infiltration grid intercepted two terrorists trying to infiltrate into own (Indian) side in the forward area close to the Line of Control (LoC). Around 1:45 am on 26 October (20)22, the infiltrating terrorists were fired upon, leading to the elimination of one terrorist. However, taking advantage of the darkness, the other terrorist managed to flee to PoJK side,” he added.

    In a search operation launched at the site this morning, one AK series rifle, two pistols and a large quantity of ammunition and war-like stores were recovered, according to the statement.

    Timely action and close coordination between the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other intelligence agencies led to foiling of the infiltration attempt and potential threat to peace in the hinterland, the spokesperson said.

    “Continued engagements along the Line of Control 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,” he said.

    “The youth in PoK 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,” he said.

    SRINAGAR: A Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist was killed on Wednesday as security forces foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesperson said.

    The operation was launched in the Tangdhar sector on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.

    The slain terrorist was identified as Mohammed Shakur (32) from Syedpura in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), he said.

    The joint operation was launched based on specific information received from the police regarding the infiltration of a group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists through the Sudpura forward post in the Karnah area of Kupwara district.

    The inputs were corroborated by other intelligence agencies, the spokesperson said in a statement.

    “Alert troops on the anti-infiltration grid intercepted two terrorists trying to infiltrate into own (Indian) side in the forward area close to the Line of Control (LoC). Around 1:45 am on 26 October (20)22, the infiltrating terrorists were fired upon, leading to the elimination of one terrorist. However, taking advantage of the darkness, the other terrorist managed to flee to PoJK side,” he added.

    In a search operation launched at the site this morning, one AK series rifle, two pistols and a large quantity of ammunition and war-like stores were recovered, according to the statement.

    Timely action and close coordination between the Indian Army, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other intelligence agencies led to foiling of the infiltration attempt and potential threat to peace in the hinterland, the spokesperson said.

    “Continued engagements along the Line of Control 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,” he said.

    “The youth in PoK 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,” he said.

  • Two terrorists killed at near LoC in JK’s Kupwara

    By PTI

    SRINAGAR: Two terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday, police said.

    Srinagar-based PRO Defence Col Emron Musavi said that based on specific intelligence inputs received from police and other intelligence agencies of likely infiltration attempt in Machil sector, troops were put on high alert and joint ambushes of police and Army laid.

    At around 7:30 am in prevailing poor weather conditions, alert troops observed two armed infiltrators crossing the LoC near Tekri Nar, Machil, he said.

    The infiltrating terrorists were engaged and both terrorists were ”neutralised”, the PRO Defence said.

    He said two AK 47 rifles, six AK magazines, 53 AK 47 rounds, four hand grenades, two pistols, two pistol magazines, 35 pistol rounds, along with some Pakistani currency and food items were found from the possession of the slain ultras.

    SRINAGAR: Two terrorists were killed as security forces foiled an infiltration bid near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Machil sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district on Sunday, police said.

    Srinagar-based PRO Defence Col Emron Musavi said that based on specific intelligence inputs received from police and other intelligence agencies of likely infiltration attempt in Machil sector, troops were put on high alert and joint ambushes of police and Army laid.

    At around 7:30 am in prevailing poor weather conditions, alert troops observed two armed infiltrators crossing the LoC near Tekri Nar, Machil, he said.

    The infiltrating terrorists were engaged and both terrorists were ”neutralised”, the PRO Defence said.

    He said two AK 47 rifles, six AK magazines, 53 AK 47 rounds, four hand grenades, two pistols, two pistol magazines, 35 pistol rounds, along with some Pakistani currency and food items were found from the possession of the slain ultras.

  • Terrorist gunned down, jawan hurt as Army foils infiltration bid in Kashmir

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The soldiers of the Indian Army have foiled an infiltration attempt where a group of terrorists were trying to cross the Line of Control with Kupwara, Kashmir.

    Sources told The New Indian Express, “Infiltration bid has been foiled on LOC in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara area of North Kashmir 1 terrorist killed and one Army jawan also injured.”

    As per the sources, “there were three terrorists trying to infiltrate” and in the ensuing gunfight a soldier of the local Army unit got injured and “is in critical condition.”

    There has been the input of increased infiltration attempts and the security forces, Indian Army, Central Armed Police forces and Jammu and Kashmir Police have raised their anti-infiltration and also counter-terror operations.

    The forces in Jammu and Kashmir operate in a grid system for quick reaction and to cover maximum ground.

    Amidst the information of the infiltration bid sources in the Army view this and a few previous attempts as part of a plan to push more terrorists into Kashmir as the snow has melted due to summer season.

    As reported by this newspaper a few days back 120 militants eliminated in security operations in Kashmir till June 29 this year, 32 were foreign terrorists.” Only 55 terrorists were killed in the corresponding period in 2021 of which two were foreign terrorists

  • Terrorist hideout busted near LoC in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch, huge cache of arms seized 

    By PTI

    JAMMU: Security forces busted a terrorist hideout in a village near the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district and seized a large quantity of arms and ammunition, officials said on Monday.

    The hideout was unearthed during a joint search operation by the army and police in Noorkote village, the officials said.

    They said the arms and ammunition seized from the hideout included two AK-47 assault rifles with two magazines and 63 rounds, one 223 bore AK shape gun with handgrip, its two magazines and 20 rounds and one Chinese pistol with a magazine and four rounds.

    However, no one was arrested during the operation which was carried out late Sunday evening based on a specific information, the officials said.

  • On western front, there is increase in concentration of terrorists: Army chief

    By ANI

    NEW DELHI: Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Tuesday said that as far as the western front is concerned, there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration across the Line of Control.

    The army chief said, “On the western front, there is an increase in the concentration of terrorists in various launch pads and there have been repeated attempts of infiltration across the LAC. This once exposes the nefarious designs of our western neighbour.”

    Addressing the media persons on Tuesday, Gen Naravane said, “If you recall the situation as it existed last January, there have been positive developments both along our northern and western borders. On the northern borders, we have continued to maintain the highest levels of operational preparedness while at the same time, engaging with the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) through dialogue.”

    “After persistent joint efforts, mutual disengagement has occurred at many locations of which I have been telling you from time to time. So, that definitely is a positive development that has happened over the last one year. As we speak, the 14th round of the Core Commander talks are underway and I am hopeful that you should see further development in the days ahead,” he added.

    “While there has been a partial disengagement, the threat has by no means reduced and the host level are more or less the same. From our side, it has been enhanced. The threat assessment and internal deliberations that we have carried out from time to time have resulted in some reorganisation and realignment of the same in keeping with our army’s mandate of ensuring our territorial integrity,” the army chief said.

    Gen Naravane said, “This also caters to the major augmentation that has taken in the PLA forces and their infrastructure. While we will continue to deal with PLA in a firm and resolute manner, necessary safeguards are in place to take care of any contingency.”

    The 14th round of Corps Commander-level talks between India and China are currently underway.

    The 14th round of Senior Highest Military Commander Level (SHMCL) talks between India and China is taking place on January 12 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, on the Chinese side at 09:30 AM (IST). The Indian side is looking forward to constructive dialogue for resolving the remaining friction areas, said Indian Army officials.

    New Delhi and Beijing have been engaged in holding talks on the Line of Actual Control in the Eastern Ladakh area to resolve the standoff. So far, 13 rounds of talks have been held.