A group of terrorists from Pakistan was trying to enter India near Dulanja area in Uri. (File photo)

Highlights Army tracked footprints of terrorists as they crossed Jhelum, killed 5

Bodies of 4 terrorists recovered, fifth lying across Jhelum: Army

Huge cache of arms, ammunition recovered during search operations: Police

Five Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorists were killed last night while they were trying to cross the Jhelum river in a boat in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri sector. Uri is located on the left bank of the Jhelum river, about 10 kms of the Line of Control with Pakistan. They were prepared to launch a major attack here, police said.The forces had "prior information" about the movement of suicide attackers from across the border. The army tracked their footprints and as they were crossing the river, a fierce gun battle ensued between the terrorists and a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, army and paramilitary forces. A total of five terrorists were killed in the encounter.Home Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the security forces for the success of the operation.The bodies of four terrorists have been recovered while the body of the fifth suicide attacker is lying on the other side of the Jhelum, Brigadier YS Ahlawat said today.He added, "A major infiltration bid by a fierce fidayeen group has been foiled along the Line of Control (LoC). A major tragedy has been averted on the Army Day. Alert Army troops tracked their movement and were successful in eliminating five terrorists."

A large cache of arms and ammunition included four AK-47s and 23 hand grenades was recovered during search operations this morning, which suggests that they had planned a major suicide attack ahead of Republic Day celebrations, police said. The police have heightened security in the state.The army's quick retaliation, say sources, indicate a new, proactive approach in the face of incessant Pakistani provocation.