BAT attack foiled at LoC in Keran sector; 5 to 7 Pak soldiers, militants killed

Srinagar: Five to seven Pakistan soldiers and militants were killed as alert troops foiled a major Border Action Team (BAT) attempt to strike forward Indian post along the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran sector in north Kashmir district of Kupwara, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Saturday night.

Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that in the last 36 hours, the Indian Army foiled an attempt by a Pakistani BAT squad to attack forward posts in Keran sector. “During the action by our troops, five to seven Pakistani Army regulars and militants were killed,” he said.

He said Pakistan has attempted to disrupt peace in the valley and target Amarnath yatra, which has been called off by the government citing threat perception. “Four hardcore Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) have been neutralized in two separate encounters in Kashmir valley,” he said.

He said recovering cache of sniper rifle, IED and landmine with Pakistan markings clearly indicates complicity of Pakistan in militant activities in the state.

However, he said security forces will continue to respond to all nefarious activities along LoC and hinterland. (UNI)