Pak Border Action Team Attack Foiled In Jammu And Kashmir, 2 Soldiers Die

New Delhi: The army today repulsed a major attack by the Pakistan's Border Action Team -- forces that intrude into India to murder and behead Indian soldiers -- at Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir. There were at least three intruders, two of whom has been killed. Another has managed to escape under cover fire from Pakistan, the army said. Two Indian soldiers died during the initial exchange of fire.

This was the third time the Border Action Team -- formed specially to conduct strikes across the Line of Control --  has struck in Poonch this year. The attackers usually comprise members of the special forces of the Pakistan Army and some terrorists.

The operation is in progress and heavy exchange of fire is on, the army said, adding the bodies of the intruders are within sight.
 
The attack started around 2 pm. The BAT team from Pakistan had crossed the Line of Control and came 600 meters into the Indian side, the army said. They were 200 meters from the army post when the exchange of fire started.

"Own Area Domination Patrol was targeted by armed intruders and an exchange of fire occurred. While the firefight was going on, Pakistani posts engaged our posts by heavy firing," the statement read. "In the firefight, our two jawans have been martyred."

The deceased jawans are both from Maharashtra -- 34-year-old Jadhav Sandip Sarjerao and 24-year-old Mane Savan Balku.

In April, two soldiers were murdered and mutilated near the Line of Control. It was suspected to be an attack by the Border Action team. Days later, on May 23, the Army had released a video of a massive fire assault on Pakistani posts. It was as a message that the army would take firm action on locations across the border from where terrorists are infiltrating into India.