Now, BSF distances itself, says was never part of Keran operation

With the 15-day Keran operation under cloud of suspicion, the BSF on Monday distanced itself saying "it was not part of the anti-infiltration operation".The BSF is deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir under the Army's 15 Corps but it was not associated with the Army in any way in the recent anti-infiltration operations in Shala Bhatu area in Keran sector," a BSF spokesman said.

With the 15-day Keran operation under cloud of suspicion, the BSF on Monday distanced itself saying "it was not part of the anti-infiltration operation".

The BSF is deployed on the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir under the Army's 15 Corps but it was not associated with the Army in any way in the recent anti-infiltration operations in Shala Bhatu area in Keran sector," a BSF spokesman said here.

The army had claimed that 30-40 infiltrating militants were engaged with soldiers in Keran sector from September 24 to October 8.

Ammunition recovered from militants killed in recent encounters while trying to infiltrate in the Keran sector. PTI File Photo

Earlier, the army had claimed that 12 militants were gunned down, but later it failed to produce a single body saying they were dragged back.

Besides, there were reports of contradictions in the statements being made on the recoveries of weapons from Keran sector. Five army soldiers were injured in foiling the infiltration bid.

The matter, which is under a cloud of suspicion, is being discussed at the highest level in Delhi.

Referring to the media reports, the BSF spokesman also clarified that no posts-Khokhri, Kulari and Mangerta-are or were ever manned by the BSF on the LoC adding: "Neither were these said posts reoccupied jointly with the army after the conclusion of the said operations on October 8."

Soldiers taking positions during an encounter with militants in Keran sector. (PTI File Photo)

The BSF has asked local newspapers in state "to verify and cross-check details before publishing anything pertaining to the BSF in future."