Soldier, intruder killed on Jammu border

The Army on Tuesday claimed to have foiled a major infiltration attempt by suspected militants in Akhnoor area of the International Border in Jammu. Even as a soldier died in the operation, the Border Security Force shot dead an intruder on the border in Heeranagar belt of Kathua district.

Official sources quoting an Army official said that the Indian troops intercepted a group of infiltrating militants on the IB in Akhnoor sector, 50 km from Jammu.

One soldier was killed when the militants were being repulsed. It was being ascertained whether it was an independent group of militants or if Pakistani regular commandoes were also part of it.

“The operation is still under way. It will take us some time to find out if it was a BAT action, supported by the Pakistani troops,” said an official who is not authorised to speak to the media.

Sources said that BSF intercepted another group of infiltrators near Karol Matrayan in Heeranagar belt of Kathua district. One of the intruders was shot dead, while the others escaped back to the Pakistani side. The body of an unarmed person has been reportedly seized by the BSF.