In a joint operation of Indian Army and Border Security Force (BSF) in the Kupwara sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning, an officer of the Indian Army and three soldiers, including a BSF constable, were martyred in the line of duty during a major anti-terror operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, officials said.
Three terrorists trying to infiltrate in the region through the LoC were also gunned down in the anti-terror operation which is underway in the Machil sector of the north Kashmir district, they said. This is one of the biggest encounters in the union territory since April.
The encounter started after Army and BSF noticed suspicious movement near the LoC and challenged the intruders, leading to a gunfight in which the terrorists were eliminated. One BSF constable was killed in action.
An AK rifle and two bags were recovered from the site, the official said, adding that a search operation was underway.
"Constable Sudip Sarkar lost his life during the operation in Machil Sector. Reinforcements received from the Indian Army, the Joint operation still underway," said Border Security Force.
The massive gun battle ended at around 4 am in morning by which time the Army moved in reinforcements. The terrorists were again detected at 10:20 am this morning, approximately 1.5 km from the LoC, leading to a fresh gunfight in which an Army Officers and two jawans laid down their lives. Two other jawans who have been injured and, have been evacuated.
The operation is still underway, officials said.
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Senior intelligence and security force officials say the infiltration attempts are likely to increase before the mountain passes in J&K get closed by heavy winter snow after which chances of crossing into the Valley become minimal.