Pakistan violates ceasefire; one BSF jawan killed, 7 injured

Jammu: In a major ceasefire violation, Pakistani Rangers on Wednesday opened heavy fire at Indian border outposts along the International Border in Jammu district, killing one jawan and leaving seven other BSF personnel injured.

Pakistani Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing on forward Pittal border outpost along IB in Arnia forward area of RS Pura in Jammu district around 11:15 hours, a BSF officer said.

In the heavy firing till 11:30 hours, four BSF men were injured one of whom later succumbed to his injuries in a hospital, he said.

The BSF jawan reportedly died of a bullet injury to his shoulder. ANI reports that attempts were made to rescue him, but the heavy firing prevented it, and three more got injured.

The BSF officer added that BSF troops, guarding the borderline, took positions and effectively retaliated resulting in exchanges, which are still going on in the area.

Three injured BSF soldiers were admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital.

"Pak Rangers not only violated ceasefire but also resorted to unprovoked firing," he said.

The ceasefire violation comes a day after the two sides held a flag meeting at Chambiliyal border outpost in Samba district to discuss removal of wild bushes along the zero line and adjoining areas to improve visibility during patrolling.

This is third ceasefire violation by Pakistan in July. On July 12, Pakistan Rangers had violated the ceasefire and targeted Indian posts in Pindo belt in Jammu district.

On July 1, Pakistan troops resorted to heavy firing with automatic and small weapons on Indian posts along the LoC in Mendhar forward areas along LoC in Poonch district, forcing Indian troops to retaliate.

Pakistan violated the ceasefire five times along LoC and IB in Jammu region in June. There were 19 incidents of ceasefire violation along the LoC in April-May.

In 2013, 12 jawans were killed and 41 injured in the highest number of ceasefire violations (149) and firing by Pakistan troops on forward posts, civilian areas and patrolling parties along Indo-Pak border.