5 Rangers die as India responds to Pak border fire

Jammu, January 2

Pakistan tonight resorted to heavy mortar shelling and firing on several BSF posts along the International Border in Samba and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir, drawing a strong retaliation from India that left two Pakistan Rangers dead.

BSF sources said they had got reports that five Rangers had been killed in the exchange of fire since Thursday, with two casualties post 9.30 pm. Today's ceasefire violation was the fourth by the Rangers in as many days and eighth in the past nine days.

BSF Director General DK Pathak, who briefed Home Minister Rajnath Singh at 10 pm said the force had thwarted a "major infiltration attempt" from across the border tonight and his troops were on high alert.

Singh had ordered the BSF to respond with "appropriate" action following continuous ceasefire violation. The Home Minister said the firing was unprovoked.

Earlier, the Home Minister said there was no doubt that Pakistan was trying to push militants into J&K and giving cover to such attempts by continuous firing along the border.

A senior police officer in Jammu said: "Pakistan Rangers resorted to heavy firing and mortar shelling along the IB in Samba and Hiranagar sectors of J&K since 9.35 pm.” Also, BSF Inspector General Rakesh Sharma said all BoPs falling in three battalion areas of Samba and Hiranagar were being fired upon by Pakistan amid mortar shelling. Mortar shelling had also hit civilian areas, he said.  — PTI

Resolution against India

Pakistan’s political leaders on Friday adopted a resolution against India, condemning the killing of four Pakistan soldiers in BSF firing on December 31. The All Parties Conference, which met in Islamabad, took dim view of the incident in which Rangers were killed. A statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said the "cowardly and unethical act" of the BSF was in violation of international norms.