LOC gunfire in Machil: Four personnel martyred while stopping militant influx

Last updated on February 20th, 2023 at 01:28 pm

Early Sunday a fierce gunfire occurred along the LOC (Line of Control) as militants tried to cross across into the Valley through Kupwara’s Machil sector in north Kashmir. Three militants were killed, and one BSF (Border Security Personnel), one Army officer and two soldiers were martyred as cover up firing continued from Pakistan to support the militants crossing the border. Two more soldiers were also injured.

The martyred personnel have been identified as Captain Ashutosh Kumar, Havildar Praveen Kumar and Rifleman Ryada Maheshwar. 

Official Twitter handle of 15 Corps, Chinar Corps tweeted, “The gallant soldiers made the supreme sacrifice in (the) line of duty at Machil sector, Kupwara on November 8. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families.”

BSF trooper who lost his life in the firing has been identified as 38-year old Constable Sudip Kumar. The BSF said that the Tripura native martyred after keeping up the fight against the enemy until “his last breath with exemplary courage”. BSF also said that Pakistani posts had initiated the firing, violating the ceasefire, in an attempt to support the infiltration of militants. 

On Saturday night, a BSF patrol saw militants crossing across the border after which they challenged them. In response the militants opened fire leading to a gunfire battle leading to killing of Constable Sudip Kumar. Army has reported that the face-off with aggressive firing took place in two rounds and were nine hours apart.  ​​​​​​​

The second round of gunfire exchange happened when more troops came into the scene. In this exchange two soldiers were martyred along with killing of two militants.

After successfully foiling the plan of militant influx, the Army has retrieved from the killed militants two AK rifles, a radio set, two pistols, ammunition and INR 50,000.

Defence spokesperson in Srinagar said, “At about 0100 hrs, a BSF patrol noticed suspicious movement near the Anti Infiltration Obstacle System (AIOS) (LoC fence) about 3.5 km from the LoC. A firefight ensued in which one terrorist was killed. A BSF soldier was also killed in action. The firefight stopped at 0400 hrs. More troops were rushed to the area and the terrorist movement was tracked by surveillance devices.”

The spokesperson added, “Contact was re-established at 1020 hrs when heavy fire was drawn by own search parties approximately 1.5 km from the LoC. In the ensuing firefight, two more terrorists were killed. Own troops suffered three casualties and two (were) injured. The injured soldiers have been evacuated.”

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