Three guerrillas killed in another LOC infiltration bid

Three guerrillas were killed in yet another infiltration bid in a remote part of Jammu and Kashmir's border with Pakistan in Kupwara district even as the operation against a large group of heavily-armed intruders entered its 11th day, the army said Friday.

"Another attempt of infiltration was made on the early morning of Oct 4, in Gujjurtur area adjacent to Shalabato sector," an army statement said.

"Army troops observed suspicious movement of infiltrating militants, and when challenged a heavy fire-fight ensued, resulting in elimination of three militants," it said.

The statement said two dead bodies have been recovered along with three AK-47 rifles, four pistols, and other equipment, while "the body of the third terrorist is observed to be lying just across the LOC along the Kilpara Nar".

"Search operations in the area are still in progress."

On the ongoing operation in Keran sector, it said that "based on specific intelligence input of likely infiltration by militants in the area of Keran sector, on the intervening night of Sep 24/25, 2013, movement of approximately 30 militants was observed".

It said a heavy exchange of fire took place between the militants and the troops, "presumably resulting in heavy losses to militants".

Noting the terrain in the area "is rugged, forested and high altitude with heights varying between 9,000 to 1,0000 feet", it said this "necessitated deliberate operations to ensure minimal casualty to own troops and at the same time flush out remaining surviving militants".

"The entire area has been effectively cordoned off by the army, thereby pinning down the militants within the cordon.

"In the current operation, there has been intermittent exchange of firing between troops and militants. Five soldiers have sustained injuries and are stable in military hospital," it said.

It termed as "totally false" recent media reports regarding capture of three Indian observation posts, occupation of village in Keran Sector by militants and one soldier succumbing to his injuries.