Four terrorists were killed and one was nabbed in an encounter with security forces in Naugam, Jammu and Kashmir, near the Line of Control (LoC) on Tuesday. The encounter is still underway, the army said.
Three rifles, two pistols and other war-like stores were recovered from the terrorists killed in the encounter in Naugam, ANI reported.
The Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid in the early hours of Tuesday on Kargil Vijay Diwas — celebrated in memory of the end of the 1999 Kargil War and to commemorate the fallen soldiers. Ceremonies are held at Kargil and New Delhi.
"There is no doubt in our mind that Pakistan has a direct role in what we are calling the proxy war in Kashmir," said Lt. Gen DS Hooda, chief of Northern Command on Tuesday. He also added that there have been more infiltration attempts in 2016 as compared to 2015.
"There's little internal disturbance, we'll see more infiltration attempts in coming few weeks. We're well prepared to deal with it," he added.
Hooda also showcased utter confidence that there will be no Kargil-like situation as India is much prepared now.
Kashmir has been boiling over with tension after the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani. Massive protests, followed by violence and curfew had taken over the Valley. The situation is finally turning normal and the curfew was also lifted on Tuesday.
Speaking about the Kashmir unrest, Hooda said that it is the police and CRPF that was on the "forefront of tackling this civil disturbance" and not the army.
Police has been dealing with this situation for last 20-25 years.They know restraint is to be exercised, that's exactly what they're doing," Hooda said.
The security forces have come under intense criticism for not using restraint in trying to contain the unrest in Kashmir. Many civilians lost their lives during the two-week disturbance.
He also addressed the issue of increased radicalisation in the Valley. Blaming social media for it, he said "we absolutely need to do something about it."
About the Indo-China border, he said it was "peaceful" and transgressions take place only at places where there is disagreement over the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The arrest and death of terrorists near the LoC was commended by politicians on the occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, when the sense of patriotism runs high in the country.
"On the Eve of Vijay Diwas, Good News. 4 Terrorist killed & 1 apprehended in latest encounter at Naugam sector of Kashmir," tweeted Shripad Y.Naik, Union Minister of state for AYUSH (independent charge) and Minister of State Health, Government of India.
"Capturing a terrorist alive is a big success," said Minister of State, Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday.
