 "Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard as police and army soldiers launch an operation in Awantipora area, south of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday, May 6, 2020. (Photo: Dar Yasin/AP)")
The Indian Army thwarted a major infiltration attempt by Pakistani terrorists along the Line of Control near Tikka Post in the Uri sector of Baramulla district during the night of August 12–13. However, alert Indian troops retaliated swiftly, foiling the infiltration bid.
Earlier reports, citing sources, suggested the incident was carried out by Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT). However, the Indian Army later clarified that it was not a BAT operation and said further details were being verified.
The incident took place in the Area of Responsibility of 16 Sikh LI (09 Bihar Advance Party) under Police Station Uri. During the exchange of fire, Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar sustained fatal injuries while defending his post.
Indian Army pays tribute
“Chinar Corps deeply regrets the loss of Braveheart Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar while performing operational duty along the LoC in Baramulla. We salute his immense valour and sacrifice, and stand in solidarity with his family,” the Army posted on X.
In a separate tribute, the Army said, “General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, and all ranks salute the supreme sacrifice of Sepoy Banoth Anil Kumar, who laid down his life in the line of duty at Baramulla. Our deepest condolences to the bereaved family.”
Reports of BAT involvement
Earlier, sources in the Army told CNN-News18 that they are still ascertaining the cause of the incident, and that no involvement of Pakistan’s Border Action Team (BAT) is likely.
These developments came after reports had emerged saying that Pakistan’s BAT was behind the attack on the forward post.
The Border Action Team is a special operations unit of the Pakistan Army, often comprising specially trained soldiers along with militants from terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
BAT’s primary role is to conduct cross-border raids, ambushes, and surprise strikes on Indian positions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu & Kashmir, typically targeting forward posts, patrol parties, or small groups of soldiers.
Following the attempt, security forces launched a large-scale cordon and search operation to track down the infiltrators taking cover under the darkness.