'Recovery of Chinese-made M-16 rifle from infiltrators unusual'

Srinagar: Security forces have recovered a Chinese-made M-16 assault rifle from the three militants killed Thursday during an anti-infiltration operation along the Line of Control in Uri, with the Army describing the recovery as "unusual".

The army said two AK series weapons, one Chinese M-16 weapon and ammunition were recovered from the Pakistani militants killed in Kamalkote area of Uri while trying to infiltrate into the Indian side.

"Usually, we find AK series and at times, the M-4 rifles being recovered. This M-16 is a Chinese-made 9-mm calibre weapon. This is an unusual recovery," General Officer Commanding of the Army's 19 Infantry Division Major General Ajay Chandpuri told in Baramulla in north Kashmir.

He, however, said it would be premature to say if this hints at a probable nexus between the Pakistani Army, terrorists, and the Chinese Army.

"It would be too premature to speculate on the larger context of it. So, I think, we will have to really examine and go into the details," he said.

On the number of militants on the launchpads across the LoC, Maj Gen Chandpuri said based on multiple inputs "there were close to 100-120 terrorists attempting to infiltrate and present in 15-20 launchpads which are close to the LoC", opposite this sector alone.

"So, while the ceasefire understanding is largely holding good for the benefit of the people on the both sides, the presence of terrorists on the launchpads and their continuous attempts to infiltrate are on," he added.

The GoC said Pakistan is desperate and frustrated, and will continue to try to infiltrate terrorists and send in arms and ammunition despite a robust anti-infiltration grid in place.

"The LoC is over 740 km which includes very difficult terrain and then there were spells of inclement weather. So, despite the vigilance, there are gaps from where they try and infiltrate terrorists and war-like stores," he said.