LoC gunfight & bloodiest operation claim lives of 5 soldiers, 5 terrorist dead

New Delhi/Srinagar: Five Indian Army special forces soldiers and five terrorists were killed in Sunday’s hand-to-hand combat and LoC gunfight (Line of Control), in this year’s bloodiest encounter in any operation against militants in Jammu & Kashmir.

The Indian Army launched Operation Randori Behak in Keran sector, at the Line of Control and engaged Pakistan-supported infiltrators in a close quarters battle in heavy snow, neutralising the entire infiltrating batch of five terrorists.

Four soldiers under the command of a Junior Commissioned Officer from one of the most professional Para Special Forces units were heli-dropped near the LoC after information on the infiltrators was received.

“An intense hand-to-hand battle ensued and all five terrorists were eliminated,” the Indian Army said in a statement.

In this battle, however, the Army lost five of its best soldiers, three on the site of the LoC gunfight and two more succumbed while they were airlifted to a nearby military hospital.

Sources explained that at first light on April 1, footprints were noticed near Line of Control where fences were completely submerged in snow. “Area is completely rigged with razor sharp ridge line all routes cut off due to high snow levels,” sources said.

Terrorists attempted to exploit inclement weather as it was snowing since last two days. Search parties were launched. Brief contact established at approximately 1 pm on April 1.

“Five bags were recovered, however terrorists broke contact,” said the sources adding that additional troops were launched and area cordoned before LoC gunfight. Trail was followed at first light on April 2. Contact was re-established at 4:30 pm, however, terrorists managed to escape by jumping off a ledge.

Search continued on April 3. Contact was again established at 4:30 pm and again at 6:30 pm on April 4.

“Based on visuals from UAV, special troops staged forward to the nearest battalion headquarter by air as the battalion is still winter cut off,” the sources said.

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