Three terrorists arrested as Army foils infiltration bid along LoC in J&K’s Poonch district

A defence spokesman said the terrorists, who were also in possession of a 10 kg powerful IED, were arrested after an exchange of fire near the border fence. An Army personnel and one of the terrorists were injured in the firing.

A terrorist injured in an Army operation receives treatment at a hospital, in Poonch district, on May 31, 2023. | Photo Credit: PTI

Three terrorists were arrested on Wednesday, as the Army foiled an infiltration bid in the Pir Panjal valley’s Poonch district.

“In a joint operation by Indian Army along with the police, 3-4 terrorists were intercepted on Line of Control in Poonch sector while attempting to cross the fence on the night of May 30-31 May, taking advantage of the bad weather and heavy rains,” the Army said.

After tracking the movement at about 1.30 a.m., an ambush of the Army was fired upon and in the retaliatory firefight some terrorists have been hit.

“Three terrorists with some weapons, besides war like stores including one improvised explosive device and narco, have been apprehended,” the Army said.

The area is cordoned off and a search operation is in progress. “One Indian Army soldier was injured in the ensuing firing and has been evacuated,” the Army said.

A defence spokesman said the terrorists, who were also in possession of a 10 kg powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

“Blood trails have been found. Three terrorists with some weapons, war-like stores including one IED and narcotics have been apprehended. One Indian Army soldier was injured in the ensuing firing and has been evacuated,” Jammu-based Army PRO Lt. Col. Devender Anand said. The injured terrorist has been shifted to a civil hospital under police custody.

Officials said the incident took place at forward Karmara village in Gulpur sector after troops guarding the border picked up suspicious movement and challenged the persons which led to a gunfight.

The officials identified the arrested accused as Mohd Farooq (26), who received a bullet injury in his leg, Mohd Riaz (23) and Mohd Zubair (22), all residents of Karmara.

“They are believed to have received the arms and narcotic consignment from across the border and were trying to smuggle it into this side when they were intercepted by the troops,” the officials said.

The seizure made from the arrested persons included an AK assault rifle, two pistols, six grenades, a 10 kg IED which was planted inside a pressure cooker and 20 packets of suspected heroin worth over ₹100 crore. “The IED was later neutralised by the experts of the bomb disposal squad,” the officials said.

“The search operation in the area was still going on when last reports were received,” the officials said.

(With inputs from PTI)