In the early hours of Wednesday, a Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) attempted to infiltrate the Indian side of the Line of Control (LoC) in the Uri sector of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Alert Indian Army personnel successfully repelled the intrusion attempt, forcing the BAT members to retreat. A large-scale search operation has since been launched across the area.
According to information received, troops of the 8 Rashtriya Rifles were patrolling the forward areas of Kamalkote–Lachhipora in the Uri sector when they spotted a group of four to five heavily armed individuals. The direction of their movement — towards an advanced surveillance post — raised immediate suspicion among the soldiers, who assessed that this was not a routine infiltration bid by militants but a deliberate action by Pakistan’s BAT.
The troops promptly alerted nearby posts and took defensive positions. The incident occurred within the area of the Butcher Post. As the BAT operatives advanced further, Indian soldiers challenged them. Realizing that their operation had been detected, the BAT members opened fire. Indian troops retaliated, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire that lasted 15–20 minutes. The firing ceased once there was no response from the BAT side.
Sources indicated that while the BAT operatives likely withdrew under the cover of gunfire, the possibility of casualties among them cannot be ruled out. There is also suspicion that some BAT members may be hiding in the vicinity. Additionally, the army has not discounted the likelihood of a militant infiltration attempt taking place simultaneously.
To ensure area security, the army has cordoned off the region where the exchange of fire occurred, declaring it a “no-movement zone.” Civilian movement has been halted in several adjoining areas, and special checkpoints have been established along all access routes.
As of the filing of this report, the search operation was still in progress, and further details were awaited.
