5 AKs, 8 pistols, 45 grenades, 2 UBGL and huge ammunition recovered
Reyaz Rashid
Rampur Uri, Sept 23: Three heavily armed infiltrators who reportedly infiltrated recently were killed at Hathlanga area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday, officials said.
In a press conference at Rampur Uri, Commanding Officer Army’s 3 Rajput Manish Panj who was flanked by General Officer Commanding (GOC), 19 Infantry Division, Major General Virender Vats 19 said that three militants were killed in the gunfight which had ensued on Thursday morning after days cordon-and-search-operation in the vast area.
‘The group of militants was challenged after intercepted at Hathlanga area of Uri at 6 am. Surveillance was enhanced and the group was challenged. Three militants were killed after a brief exchange of fire,” he informed.
Authorities had also suspended mobile telephony and internet in Uri amid reports that some militants had infiltrated via LoC in Uri.
They further said that three slain were carrying huge quantity of arms and ammunition that includes five AK-47 riffles, seven pistols, 5 AK magazines, 24 UBGl grenades, 38 Chinese grenades, seven Pakistan made grenades, Rs 35000 Pakistani currency and some edibles.
Elaborating further, the GoC said that only one slain has been identified so far who is a Pakistani resident. “The identity of the other two is being ascertained,” he said.
On whether today’s infiltration had any Afghanistan link, he said: “Army is alert and that we were anticipating change in the behavior of Pakistan in the month of September and expecting infiltration ahead of the onset of winter. I would not like to connect this with the geo-politics. We are ready to foil all bids.” He said after sanitizing the area, Uri operation has been called off.