Army foils BAT attack at LoC; soldier killed, Capt among 4 injured

Adil Akhzer

Srinagar, July 27

A soldier was killed and four others, including a captain, were injured as the Army foiled an attack on Saturday by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT) in Kamakari sector of Kupwara district, military sources said.

They said a Pakistani intruder was also killed in the exchange of fire, while two more managed to return to the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) amid the intense gunfight that lasted hours.

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The BAT generally comprises personnel of the special forces of the Pakistan army and terrorists.

A Srinagar-based defence spokesperson said “taking advantage of bad weather and poor visibility”, a group of “two to three armed personnel crossed the LoC” and fired on a forward Army post from close proximity in Kupwara district.

The spokesperson said alert troops responded “vigorously” and in the ensuing exchange of fire, a “Pakistani intruder” was killed. Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the spot.

The identification and affiliation of the Pakistani national were being ascertained, he said. Five soldiers were injured in the exchange of fire and one of them later succumbed to his injuries. Srinagar-based Chinar Corps identified the slain soldier as Mohit Rathour and said he “laid down his life in the line of duty on the LoC”.

“The Army is firm in its resolve to maintain the sanctity of the LoC and defeat the nefarious and inimical designs of the Pakistan army,” the spokesperson said.

Today’s incident at the LoC took place two days after the Army Chief, Gen Upendra Dwivedi, visited Kupwara sector and reviewed the security situation. He exhorted soldiers to remain steadfast in meeting emerging security challenges. Kupwara sector has in the recent weeks witnessed several anti-militancy operations. (WithPTI inputs)