Another Encounter in J&K: Soldier Killed, “Pakistani” Militant Dead

At least one soldier was killed and four others, including a Major, were injured as the Army thwarted an attack by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT) along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara district, Jammu and Kashmir. A Pakistani militant was also killed in the encounter.

Border Action Teams (BATs) comprise commandos from the Pakistan Army along with militants and have been involved in past infiltration attempts along the LoC.

“Under the cover of bad weather and poor visibility in the Machhal Sector, a group of two to three armed individuals crossed the Line of Control and opened fire on a forward Army post from close range. Alert troops responded forcefully, resulting in the death of one Pakistani intruder and the recovery of weapons, ammunition, and other war-like supplies. The identity and affiliation of this Pakistani national are currently being verified,” the statement said.

Two soldiers were gravely injured in the firefight and were transported to the Base Hospital in Srinagar. The Army reported that one soldier succumbed to his injuries, while the other is responding well to treatment and is stable.

“In the past, similar infiltration attempts, actively supported by the Pakistani Army, have exploited dense foliage and poor visibility conditions. However, these attempts have always been successfully thwarted and disrupted, as seen today. The Indian Army remains resolute in maintaining the sanctity of the Line of Control and in defeating the malicious intentions of the Pakistan Army,” the statement read.

Army sources indicated that the attack likely involved Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT), known for conducting several such operations before the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021.

“This is an aggressive action and a clear escalation along the LoC,” said a senior officer.

Context of Recent Attack

The attack occurred just a day after Kargil Vijay Diwas, during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a stern warning to Pakistan, asserting that the Indian Army would overcome every terror challenge.

Recent Military Visit

Earlier this week, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visited the same area along the LoC to review the forces’ preparedness against infiltration and terrorist attacks.

Government Response to Rising Terror Incidents

In response to the increasing terror incidents, Prime Minister Modi chaired a review meeting last month to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He discussed the security situation with Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, receiving a comprehensive overview of the counter-terrorism operations being conducted by the armed forces in the Union Territory.

Details of the Recent Attack and Government Response

The injured personnel were evacuated to a base hospital, with sources reporting that the condition of one of the soldiers was “critical.” Amid the gunfight, two intruders managed to return to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), according to military sources. This suspected infiltration and subsequent gunfight occurred a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a speech in Kargil, warned Pakistan that their “nefarious designs will never succeed” and promised a “befitting response” to any aggression.

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