Jammu: After over three months of hunting, the Army on Tuesday struck first major success after months by killing four foreign Militants in an intelligence based covert operation, who were involved in a series of Militant attacks, which had claimed lives of army personnel and civilians in Rajouri-Poonch sector in the recent past.
Quoting sources reports said that security forces including Army’s elite Para commandos continued the hunting operation in the thick forests area in Rajouri –Poonch to eliminate Militants group involved in recent Militant attacks in the sector including May 5 ambush at Kesari Hill area where five of its men lost lives, infamous Dangri village attack in January were 7 civilian was brutally gun down and Bhata Dhurian Militant attack, where five army men carrying Iftar items for villagers were fired upon and later vehicle set ablaze.
Officials added that the army recently foiled around half of dozen infiltration bids at Line of Control (LC) but hunting and killing four Pakistani Militants in the hinterland was seen as major success for security apparatus, particularly the Indian Army, which is restlessly pursuing Op Trinetra.
“Four foreign Militants were eliminated this morning after a successful and coordinated search of the area was carried out, following very specific inputs,” said Commander Sector 6 of Army’s Rashtriya Rifles (RR) Brigadier M P Singh while addressing a press conference in Poonch. The Commander was flanked by SSP Poonch Vinay Sharma.
The officer further said that during the search large quantities of arms and ammunition consisting of four AK series Rifles of Chinese mark and eight Magazines and 196 rounds.
Two 9 mm Pistols with Pakistan mark and three magazines and 24 rounds were also recovered.
“AKs found with the Militants are with Chinese markings and Pistols are with Pakistan markings, which clearly indicate the involvement of our adversary in disturbing the peace and stability in Poonch- Rajouri sector,” the Commander said.
He maintained that the presence of such heavily armed Militants in hinterland is indicative of attempts to destabilise the region, and if not neutralised in time, these Militants could have carried out major strikes in coming days.
The officer further added that relentless efforts by security forces in the past few months have started to give results.
The army commander also lauded the role of the civilian population of the area for providing valuable inputs to lead successful operations.
“This operation is a hallmark, of cooperation between all the intelligence agencies and specially the police, with the Indian Army, who spearheaded this operation,” the commander said and adding, “I will be doing injustice, if I do not mention, the cooperation and support provided by the people in this endeavour, which speaks volumes of their belief, in our Nation.”
