INDIA. New Delhi: In a concerted action against Pakistani terrorists, one Pakistan LeT terrorist surrendered, while another terrorist was eliminated by the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army along the Line of Control (LOC) in Uri sector in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pakistani Lashkar-e-Toiba (L-e-T) terrorist Ali Babar Patra (19) surrendered when rounded off by the Indian Army approximately 800 meters inside the LOC on September 26. Other four terrorists ran back towards the POK side of LOC, an official statement released by the Defence Ministry said.
An infiltration bid was made by Pakistani terrorists along the LOC in Uri Sector on the intervening night of September 18/ 19. However, the attempt was foiled by the Indian Army over succeeding nights.
Subsequently taking advantage of the night, uneven ground, bad weather, and thick undergrowth, Pakistan harboured terrorist group Le-T attempted to infiltrate six terrorists from the general area of Pakistani post Jabri. However suspecting danger, four of them ran back towards the POK side of LOC, while the remaining two terrorists managed to enter into Indian territory.
Additional forces were inducted and multiple patrols were launched in the suspected areas and the getaway routes were blocked. On the night of September 25, contact was again established by one such patrol with the terrorists approximately 800 meters inside the LOC. Eventually, by the afternoon of September 26, one Pakistani terrorist Atiq ur Rehman @ Qari Anas, belonging to Distt Attock in Punjab (Pakistan) aged 33 years was eliminated by the Indian Army.
The second Pakistani terrorist, named Ali Babar Patra, son of late Mohd Lateef r/o Dipalpur, village Wasewawala, Distt – Okara Punjab (Pakistan), was appealed to surrender and was eventually captured alive without causing any harm to him. Indian Army does not differentiate between local terrorists or Pakistani terrorists if the terrorist is willing to surrender, an army statement said.
The route taken by the terrorists to infiltrate was from Sawai Nala Terrorist Camp to Hallan Shumali Launchpad to Jabri, leading into Salamabad Nala. It is pertinent to mention here that, in 2016, it was along Salamabad Nala, through which terrorists infiltrated with the help of the Pakistan Army and carried out a suicide attack on Uri Garrison.
The surrendered terrorist Ali Babar Patra revealed to Indian Army officers that his group of six terrorists belonged to Pakistani Punjab. He belonged to Dipalpur in District Okara. He was misguided and lured into joining LeT due to poverty, having lost his father early. His family comprised his widowed mother and an adopted sister. The family belongs to the lower class barely able to make both ends meet.
To escape poverty, Ali left their studies in the Govt School after class seven. He underwent three weeks of preliminary training at the Garhi Habibullah Camp (KPK) in 2019 followed by refresher training in 2021. Most of the instructors employed for physical and weapons training were Pakistan Army personnel. The false and fake narratives of “Islam being in danger” and alleged killing and the atrocities against the Muslims committed in Kashmir was the main theme of indoctrination during the training, Ali told the Indian Army officers.
As per Ali’s version the eliminated terrorist, Atiq ur Rehman @ Qari Anas r/o Vill – Pindi, District- Attock, Punjab (Pakistan) had given him Rs 20,000/- for his mother’s treatment and had promised to give him additional Rs 30,000/- on safe return from Pattan near Baramulla, where the group was to deliver the warlike stores. However, Atiq had more nefarious designs which he was unaware of. Eventually he was coerced and lured into joining the terrorist ranks due to his poor financial condition.
Details of other Pakistani terrorists who were in the process of entering India: Atiq-ur-Rehman @ Qari Anas(33), Vill – Pindikep, Dist – Attock, Punjab, 2. Tayyab (24), Samundri City, Dist – Faisalabad, Punjab, 3. Abu Bakkar Salfi (22), Tatiana Town, The – Jaranwala, Dist – Faislabad, Punjab, 4. @ Abu Khitab(35), The – Kasur, Dist – Lahore, Punjab, and 5. Usman @ Abu Solaria (27), Vill – Shahdra, Dist –Lahore, Punjab. (BA – Teacher in Govt School).
The Uri operation yielded seven AK series rifles, nine handguns and revolvers, more than 80 grenades, and Indian and Pakistani money.
Ali’s attempt to surrender, as soon as his mate was killed, highlights that he was not convinced about the Jihad narrative. Kashmir Valley is returning to peace, much to the discomfort of Pakistan and its proxies. The infiltration bids indicate Pakistan’s desperate attempts to sustain cross-border terrorism and bring in weapons to orchestrate violent incidents in the valley by hiring mercenaries from the Pakistani hinterland of Punjab, the Indian Army officers said.
Pakistan Army’s connivance in abetting infiltration continues, as it is difficult to attempt crossing the LOC without the active support of local Pakistan military commanders. As per the surrendered Pakistan national Ali, the group of six terrorists crossed the LC fence in the shadow of forwarding Pakistani post Jabri.
It is important to bring out that in last week, a total of seven terrorists were neutralized and one terrorist apprehended, including five along the LOC. All ranks of the Chinar Corps are committed to ensuring peace and stability in the Kashmir Valley, the Army officers added.
