Five terrorists were killed on Saturday as the security forces foiled an infiltration bid in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The operation that began during wee hours today is currently underway. This comes amid Centre’s decision of suspending operations against terrorists in the valley during the month of Ramzan.

Issuing a statement, Defence PRO Colonel Rajesh Kalia confirmed that an infiltration bid has been foiled in Tangdhar sector. As quoted by a media report, he also asserted that the operation against the infiltrators is going on.

 

#SpotVisuals from Tangdhar: 5 terrorists, who were trying to infiltrate, have been killed by security forces in an ongoing operation. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/MCNLYMLhLb

— ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2018

Notably, the Union Home Ministry had said the decision was taken to help the “peace-loving Muslims observe Ramzan in a peaceful environment”. However, it clarified that the security forces “reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people”.

Earlier on Friday, Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat, who has been in Jammu and Kashmir to review security situation, said that Pakistan should stop infiltration to establish peace along the border. “We want peace at borders but as you know Pakistan continuously violates ceasefire that causes loss of life and property and in such a case we have to retaliate but if Pakistan wants peace, we expect them to take initiative, which will start with them stopping infiltration,” General Rawat said.

Commending the performance of the troops in the recent successful operations, the Army chief stressed the need to maintain the extra vigil to defeat the evil designs of hostile forces and assured his full support to further strengthen the security posture.

On May 18, the security forces foiled an infiltration bid by a group of terrorists from across the border in the Handwara area of Kupwara district.

Ceasefire Violation by Pakistan

Twelve people including two minor children and two BSF jawans were killed and over 60 people were injured due to shelling by Pakistan troops along the border in Jammu, Samba and Kathua in nine days, where over one lakh people have migrated from the International Border (IB). However, there has been a lull in the firing for two days.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Friday asked Pakistan to ‘respect the sentiments’ associated with Ramzan and end ceasefire violations along the border. She visited the border areas of RS Pura, Samba and other places of Jammu province which have been severely hit by the cross border shelling during the past few days.