Kashmir,September 01 – The Indian Army foiled an infiltration attempt by terrorists near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Mendhar sector of Poonch district, Kashmir, on Monday. The Army’s White Night Corps reported on X that suspicious activity was observed around 5:30 AM near the LoC in the Balakot general area.
Troops immediately opened fire to prevent the infiltration attempt. The terrorists retaliated with heavy firing. They later attempted to flee, but security forces have cordoned off the entire area. A search operation for the terrorists is underway.
The Army stated that the terrorists were attempting to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This infiltration attempt occurred on the same day the Union Home Minister was visiting Jammu to assess the situation following last month’s heavy rainfall and flash floods.
Two terrorists with weapons arrested in Poonch a day earlier – Previously, Jammu and Kashmir Police arrested two terrorists from Azamabad in Poonch district on Sunday. Weapons were also recovered from them. The terrorists were identified as Tariq Sheikh from Azamabad and Riaz Ahmad from Chamber village.
According to police, a raid was conducted at Sheikh’s residence in Azamabad, and he was arrested along with his associate Ahmad. After interrogating both, the police team recovered two assault rifles and some ammunition from Sheikh’s rented house in Jallian village.
August 28: Two terrorists killed, including one involved in 100+ infiltrations – On August 28, security forces killed two terrorists, including the infamous ‘Human GPS’ Bagu Khan, near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Gurez sector of Bandipora district, Jammu and Kashmir, during an infiltration attempt. Bagu Khan was also known as ‘Samandar Chacha’.
Sources indicate that Bagu Khan had been living in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) since 1995. He had been active in terrorist activities for 25 years and was one of the oldest facilitators of infiltration. He was involved in over 100 infiltration incidents.
Kashmir
Kashmir is a region in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty of mountains, valleys, and lakes like Dal Lake. Historically, it has been a significant center for Hinduism and later Buddhism, before becoming a prominent hub for Islamic culture and learning following the 14th century. The region has a complex modern history marked by a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan since the partition of British India in 1947.
Line of Control
The Line of Control (LoC) is a military control line that serves as the de facto border between the Indian- and Pakistani-administered parts of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was originally established as the Ceasefire Line after the first Indo-Pakistani War in 1949 and was renamed following the Simla Agreement after the 1971 war. It remains one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world and a persistent flashpoint for conflict between the two nations.
Mendhar sector
The Mendhar sector is a strategically significant area along the Line of Control (LoC) in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region, administered by India. Historically, it has been a flashpoint for military skirmishes between Indian and Pakistani forces, most notably during the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1947 and 1965. The sector’s history is deeply intertwined with the ongoing conflict and territorial dispute over Kashmir.
Poonch district
Poonch district is a historically significant region located in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, currently divided between India and Pakistan. Its history is deeply tied to the former Poonch Jagir, a princely state, and it is known for its rugged mountainous terrain. The area is also a notable point of contention and conflict stemming from the Indo-Pakistani wars.
Balakot
Balakot is a town in northern Pakistan historically known as a center of the 19th-century Mujahideen movement against the Sikh Empire. It is also significant as the site of a major earthquake in 2005 that caused widespread destruction. Today, it is being rebuilt and remains an important local cultural and economic hub.
Gurez sector
The Gurez sector is a picturesque valley located in the high Himalayas within the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir. Historically, it was a vital stop on the ancient Silk Road connecting the region to Gilgit. Today, it is known for its stunning natural beauty but remains a sensitive military zone due to its strategic position near the Line of Control with Pakistan.
Bandipora district
The Bandipora district is a scenic region in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, historically known as a center of learning and spirituality. Its history is deeply intertwined with the ancient ruins of the old town of Bandipur and its significance as a stop on the Silk Road. Today, it is renowned for the Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes.
Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is a region in northern India, historically a princely state known for its stunning Himalayan landscapes and diverse cultural heritage. It has been a significant center for Buddhism, Hinduism, and later Islam, which arrived in the 14th century. The area’s modern history is marked by its accession to India in 1947, which has since been a subject of international dispute with Pakistan.