An infiltration attempt by the Pakistan Army's Border Action Team (BAT) in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector was foiled by the security forces this week, resulting in the deaths of at least five intruders, the Indian Army said on Saturday evening.

The target for the strike was a forward post in the Keran sector, the army said. Images released to the press showed the bodies of intruders lying on the Indian side of the Line of Control. BAT teams usually try to maim or mutilate Indian soldiers by ambushing them.

The incident, known to have taken place within the last 36 hours, comes amid heightened security in the state that has also triggered an unprecedented advisory to pilgrims and tourists to leave the state immediately.

"It clearly indicates complicity of Pakistan in terror activities. Security forces will continue to respond to all nefarious activities along the Line of Control and hinterland," army sources said.

However, there have been no attempts in the last 36 hours by Pakistani forces to target Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, sources said.

In security operations in the state, four terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammed have also been killed. A sniper rifle, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines with Pakistani markings have been found from them.

Pakistani forces continued to fire across the Line of Control and the border and Indian soldiers retaliated.

Jammu and Kashmir was put on alert yesterday, with the government asking pilgrims and tourists to leave the state immediately.

NDTV

BDST: 1223 HRS, AUG 4, 2019
SI