12 militants, lieutenant die in Srinagar attack

SRINAGAR: The army killed 12 militants in Gurez sector of the LoC, snuffing out the first major infiltration bid of the season. But it lost a lieutenant in the gun battle while two other soldiers were injured.

Defence spokesman Lt Col J S Brar said the troops noticed the group during the night. A gun battle followed and continued for long. Army officials said a large group have tried to enter from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, but the details about their success or numbers remain sketchy.

Gurez valley has remained a highly peaceful border belt but it has vast areas that were consistently used by the militants to infiltrate Kashmir. This weekend’s encounter has happened after a long hiatus.