Tributes paid to BSF officer killed in Samba

Jammu, January 16

The Border Security Force (BSF) on Wednesday paid rich tributes to Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad who was killed in a sniping incident on the International Border in the Samba sector on Tuesday.

A wreath-laying ceremony was organised at the BSF Jammu frontiers headquarters, where floral tributes were paid to the slain officer by all ranks.

Director General of Police Dilbag Singh, Inspector General of Police, Jammu, MK Sinha, BSF Inspector General NS Jamwal and Jammu Deputy Inspector General Vivek Gupta were present on the occasion. Assistant Commandant Vinay Prasad of the 19th Battalion of the BSF was a native of Chapra district in Bihar but was at present residing at Howrah in West Bengal. After the wreath-laying ceremony, his mortal remains were flown to Kolkata from where they would be taken to Howrah.

“Despite heavy firing from the Pakistan side and the officer being injured in a sniping incident, he reflected immense courage and provided covering fire to his other colleagues. He did not care for his own life for the safety of his junior comrades,” a said BSF spokesman.

Speaking on the occasion, BSF IG NS Jamwal said the BSF had the history of bravery and was always committed to ensuring the sanctity of the International Border as well as the Line of Control.

“This brave act has once again proved that the border men are always ready to sacrifice their lives when it comes to the security of the nation. As a peaceful country, we never initiate fire from our side but will never hesitate to give a befitting reply if compelled to do so,” the spokesman said. — TNS

Fear grips border residents  

A day after a BSF officer was killed in a sniping incident by Pakistan on the International Border (IB) in the Samba sector, an uneasy calm prevailed on the border on Wednesday. The situation has been tense all along the IB as people fear another spell of exchange of shelling between Indian and Pakistan. Meanwhile, residents have been advised to limit their movement and only move out in case of an emergency.