Army foils infiltration bid in Kupwara, kills 2 militants in Keran Sector
Kupwara, J&K – Security forces shot dead two infiltrators during an encounter near the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir’s Keran sector early Saturday. The Army said both militants tried to cross into the valley under the cover of darkness.
A joint team of the Army and Border Security Force (BSF) launched the operation late Friday after receiving intelligence about possible infiltration. Officials said troops detected suspicious movement along the LoC and immediately challenged the intruders.
“As soon as our soldiers cornered them, the infiltrators opened indiscriminate fire and tried to escape,” an official said. The forces retaliated with precision fire, triggering a fierce gunfight in the dense forest area close to the LoC.
According to the Army’s 15 Corps, the operation began after specific intelligence inputs from multiple agencies. “On November 7, based on credible inputs about infiltration in Keran sector, troops launched a joint operation. Alert soldiers spotted suspicious activity and challenged the infiltrators. The militants fired, and contact was established,” the Army said in a post on X.
After initial contact, troops tightened the cordon overnight to block all escape routes. At first light on Saturday, the forces resumed the operation. By morning, they eliminated both infiltrators. “Two terrorists have been neutralised. The search operation continues,” the Army confirmed.
Troops recovered weapons, ammunition, and communication equipment from the site. Officials said the material indicates the infiltrators were trained militants backed by groups operating from across the border. Security agencies are analyzing the recovered items to trace their origin and possible handlers.
Local sources said heavy firing continued for several hours before the area fell silent. Additional reinforcements reached the sector to ensure that no other militants remained hidden in the dense terrain.
The Army said this successful operation once again highlighted the alertness of frontline troops. “Our soldiers remain vigilant along the LoC to prevent any infiltration attempt before winter sets in,” an officer said.
With snowfall expected soon, infiltration attempts usually rise during October and November. Militants try to cross into the Kashmir valley before snow blocks mountain passes and makes the terrain impassable. The Army and BSF have increased patrols and night surveillance using drones, sensors, and night-vision equipment to foil such attempts.
Defence analysts believe Pakistan-based groups are trying to push in militants before heavy snow cuts off access routes. The Keran sector, located near the Kupwara district, has long remained a vulnerable infiltration zone due to its rugged topography and dense forests.
Saturday’s operation adds to a series of recent encounters along the LoC in north Kashmir. Security forces have intensified anti-infiltration measures this month to secure the border and prevent any escalation of violence in the valley.
