NEW DELHI, Jan 2: A Pakistani infiltrator, believed to be a member of the Pakistan Army’s Border Action Team (BAT), was killed in an operation by the Indian army while trying to cross the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keran sector in Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Indian army on Sunday asked its Pakistani counterpart to take the body of the soldier identified as Mohammad Shabir Malik. The Indian army has recovered an identity card and Covid vaccination certificate issued by the Pakistan government from the spot establishing the identity of the alleged infiltrator.
“An attempt by the BAT (the Pak Army’s Border Action Team) was made yesterday in Keran sector. Swift action by troops on the LoC foiled the bid and eliminated the terrorist – a Pakistan national,” Major General AS Pendharkar, GOC 28 Infantry Division, said. A senior army officer had said the man – identified as Mohammad Shabir Malik – may have been a member of the Pakistan Army’s Border Action Team, or BAT.
Major General Pendharkar said the incident site was located on the Pakistan side of “our anti-infiltration obstacle system… what is called as the “fence.” Outlining the operation, Major General Pendharkar said the infiltration attempt was spotted early. “Ambushes were laid and the infiltrator eliminated. The body was recovered, with one AK rifle, ammunition, and seven grenades. Surveillance of area is still in progress,” he said. The Army recovered a Pak government ID card from the incident
“This clearly establishes Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terror. A hotline communication has been made to the Pakistan Army from our side, asking them to take back the body of killed individual,” said Gen Pendharkar. A search of his belongings revealed a Pakistan national ID card and vaccination certificates issued by that country’s Ministry of Health. The photo on the card shows the man in a Pak armed forces uniform. The Major General said the attempt was a “complete breach” of the ceasefire agreement between the two countries that was announced in February last year.
(Manas Dasgupta)
