BSF chief: Pakistan army possibly behind shelling

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 24

Border Security Force Director General KK Sharma today said the Pakistan army was possibly helping Pakistan Rangers in the cross-border shelling and firing.

The Director General said this while talking to mediapersons after the wreath-laying ceremony of Constable Sushil Kumar at the BSF Jammu Frontiers headquarters here today. 

The constable was killed during overnight shelling from the Pakistan side in the Sangral area near the international border.

The BSF chief said he was not sure whether Pakistan Rangers or regulars were involved in shelling but possibly the Pakistan army was supporting the Rangers in cross-border shelling. “They always provoke and we respond. We never initiate the fire and only retaliate when Pakistan Rangers violate the ceasefire agreement. They always bombard populated areas but we never fire on civilian areas. We target only those areas from where shells are pounded on us and never target civilian areas intentionally,” the Director General said.

Commenting on the damage on the Pakistani side, he said, “I have been told that Pakistan has also suffered damage. Opposite our Chenab forward post, ambulance movement was seen, which means that the Rangers have also suffered damage.”

He warned Pakistan of a befitting reply, saying: “The commanders on the field have been directed not to initiate fire but respond heavily when Pakistan resorts to unprovoked firing. If they don’t stop, they will have to pay a heavy price and taste defeat like before.”

In the past too Pakistan has violated the ceasefire agreement during festive season, the Director General said.