Srinagar: The Army claimed to have foiled an infiltration bid on the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

According to the defense sources, alert troops of the army noticed suspicious movements in Balakote area of the LoC early on Thursday.

“Troops fired and the group of intruding militants was forced to withdraw back into the Pakistani side. A search operation is now going on in the area,” the sources added.

The infiltration bid came a day after Lt Gen Devraj Anbu told the media that more than 300 militants are waiting across the Line of Control (LoC) to infiltrate into India.

Lt Gen Devraj Anbu told the media at the Udhampur headquarters of the Army’s Northern Command: “(A total of) 185-220 militants in the south and 190-225 militants in the north of Peer Panjal are ready for infiltration.”

He claimed the “Pakistan Army had a direct role in planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir”, which is divided between India and Pakistan.

“Operating along the LoC is quite complex and challenging. I do not feel that we really need to do tit for tat,” he said,

On Wednesday, the armies of India and Pakistan exchanged fire along LoC in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.

At around 7 p.m., the Pakistani Army used small arms, automatics and mortars, forcing the Indian side to retaliate “effectively and strongly”, the official said.

However, no casualty or damage was reported on either side of the border.

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