Indian Army jawans keep watch near the Line of Control (LoC), ahead of Independence Day, in Uri sector of Baramulla district, north Kashmir.
Credit: PTI Photo
Srinagar: An Army soldier was killed on Wednesday while foiling an infiltration attempt along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Uri sector of Baramulla district on Wednesday, officials said.
The bid, suspected to have been backed by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT), comes amid a noticeable rise in cross-border movement this year despite an all-time low in local militant recruitment.
Army said the attempt was made near the Tikka Post in Uri, in the Area of Responsibility of 16 Sikh LI (09 Bihar Advance Party) and under the jurisdiction of Uri Police Station. An exchange of fire ensued, in which one soldier lost his life. Search operations were underway till late evening.
The latest incident follows the killing of two terrorists by the Army in the same area just days ago, indicating a sustained push from across the LoC.
Reports suggested Wednesday’s infiltration could have been facilitated by BAT, which is known for launching sudden, high-intensity strikes to aid terrorist entry into Jammu and Kashmir.
This is the second Army casualty reported in Baramulla district in as many days. On Tuesday, Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar died while on operational duty along the LoC.
The Chinar Corps, mourning his death, said in a post on X: “Chinar Corps deeply regret the loss of the precious life of Braveheart Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar… Chinar Warriors salute his immense valour and sacrifice, express deepest condolence and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.”
Security agencies believe the recent uptick in infiltration bids is linked to dwindling local militant recruitment — just one youth is reported to have joined militancy in Kashmir so far this year. With the indigenous militant pool drying up, Pakistan-based groups are suspected to be trying harder to push in foreign fighters to sustain militancy in the Valley.
A police official said the pattern was clear: “Every successful infiltration attempt replenishes terrorist ranks inside Kashmir. With local recruitment almost negligible, foreign terrorists are now the only option for the Pakistan army.”