Three Pakistani fidayeen killed in J&K gunfight (Lead)

Srinagar Sep 24 (IANS) A major terror attack was averted after three Pakistani fidayeen were shot dead in a gunfight in a forested area near the border town of Uri in Jammu and Kashmir s Baramulla district police said.

"All three Pakistani fidayeen terrorists were killed in Uri area of Baramulla district " said a police officer said.

Director General of Police S.P. Vaid told reporters here that the slain militants had planned a major suicide strike and their elimination has averted a major attack.

Security forces had launched an operation in Kaghi forest area of Uri tehsil on Sunday morning following specific information about a group of heavily-armed militants hiding there.

As the security forces tightened cordon around the area the hiding militants opened fire at the security forces triggering a gunfight.

Police however have not confirmed whether the slain militants had recently infiltrated into the Valley from Pakistan-administered Kashmir or had been operating here for some time.

--IANS
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