A few days ago, reports surfaced claiming that the Indian Army’s Special Forces (SF) had ventured deep into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and launched a surgical strike, neutralizing terrorists and destroying launch pads. However, the Ministry of Defence promptly refuted these claims, shedding light on the actual events that unfolded on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Balakote Sector. In reality, the Indian Army Foiled an Infiltration Bid by Pakistan. Initially, a prominent Hindi newspaper, Dainik Jagran, took the incident to a new level of sensationalism, proclaiming “Bharat ne Pakistan par fir ki surgical strike” on its front page.
The misleading sensational news was further circulated on social media accounts, such as @_treeni, @MediaHarshVT, and several others in order to gain social media attention on the wave of ‘pro-nationalism’.
The Infiltration Bid and a Resolute Defence
According to the Defence Ministry, there was a heavily backed group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate India from the Balakote Sector of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that two terrorists were detected by alert troops to be making attempts to cross the LoC onto the Indian side, “making use of inclement weather, dense fog, thick foliage, and undulating ground in the Hamirpur area of Balakote Sector.”
An elaborate surveillance grid was activated and as these terrorists approached India’s ambush sites, they were met with resolute engagement, marked by effective gunfire. This compelled the terrorists to retreat under the cover of adverse weather conditions and challenging terrain. The situation escalated due to the presence of terrorists attempting to cross the LoC. As the engagement unfolded, one terrorist was immobilized near the LoC, where subsequent search operations yielded evidence, including an AK-47 rifle, magazines, rounds of ammunition, grenades, and medicine of Pakistani origins.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the incident that occurred was not a surgical strike, as suggested by certain reports. Instead, it was a successful effort by the Indian Army to neutralize a group of terrorists attempting to infiltrate into the Indian territory. The engagement demonstrated the army’s vigilance and readiness in defending the nation’s borders. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below and also for more information regarding the actual incident you can refer to News18’s article [archive].
Claim: Reports circulated about an Indian surgical strike in Pakistan illegally occupied Kashmir
Fact: The Ministry of Defence refuted the claims and clarified that the Indian Army foiled an infiltration bid on the LoC in the Balakote Sector; no surgical strike occurred.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. While sensational narratives might capture attention, the truth remains paramount in understanding the actual events that unfolded. The Indian Army’s commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security remains unshaken. Jai Hind.
