The Indian Army on Friday foiled an infiltration bid after an exchange of fire between security personnel and militants in Handwara area of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. According to latest reports three infiltrating have been killed along the Line of Control (LoC).
In a statement, the Defence Ministry spokesperson said; "They were challenged after which they fired at the troops. Three terrorists were killed while searches are still going on as two others are believed to have escaped and are in hiding."
The latest incident comes just days after the Indian government had declared a unilateral ceasefire due to the holy month of Ramadan. The Ministry of Home Affairs had said that the decision had been taken to help "peace-loving Muslims observe Ramadan in a peaceful environment". However, the Centre had also said that the security forces "reserve the right to retaliate if attacked or if essential to protect the lives of innocent people"
Pakistan has since continued with unprovoked firing from across the LoC. On Friday, four civilians and one Border Security Force (BSF) constable died and 12 others injured after Pakistan troopers once again resorted to ceasefire violation in RS Pura, Bishnah and Arnia sectors.
The incident also comes one day prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's one-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir.