The target for the strike was a forward post in the Keran sector, the army said. (File)

Highlights Pak Army's Border Action Team tried to strike an Indian forward post

BAT teams usually try to ambush, kill and mutilate Indian soldiers

Kashmir on alert amid intelligence inputs of Pak-backed attacks

An infiltration attempt by the Pakistan Army's Border Action Team (BAT) in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector was foiled by the security forces this week, resulting in the deaths of at least five intruders, the Indian Army said on Saturday evening.

The target for the strike was a forward post in the Keran sector, the army said. Images released to the press showed the bodies of intruders lying on the Indian side of the Line of Control. BAT teams usually try to maim or mutilate Indian soldiers by ambushing them.

The incident, known to have taken place within the last 36 hours, comes amid heightened security in the state that has also triggered an unprecedented advisory to pilgrims and tourists to leave the state immediately.

"It clearly indicates complicity of Pakistan in terror activities. Security forces will continue to respond to all nefarious activities along the Line of Control and hinterland," army sources said.

However, there have been no attempts in the last 36 hours by Pakistani forces to target Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, sources said.

In security operations in the state, four terrorists of the Jaish-e-Mohammed have also been killed. A sniper rifle, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and mines with Pakistani markings have been found from them.

Pakistani forces continued to fire across the Line of Control and the border and Indian soldiers retaliated.

Jammu and Kashmir was put on alert yesterday, with the government asking pilgrims and tourists to leave the state immediately.

The advisory came after the army said there are confirmed intelligence reports that terrorists backed by the Pakistan Army are trying to disrupt the Amarnath Yatra. A landmine and a sniper rifle were found on the route of the pilgrimage, it said.

The unprecedented alert and a massive build-up of paramilitary forces has pushed Jammu and Kashmir to the edge and fuelled rumours.

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik's efforts to allay speculation, that there no change was being planned to the special status of the state listed in the constitution, has not convinced political leadership in the state.