Sepoy from Punjab killed in sniper fire along LoC

Srinagar, December 31

Sepoy Jagsir Singh of Lohgarh Thakhran Wala village in Punjab’s Ferozepur district was killed in sniper fire along the Line of Control in Nowshera sector in the wee hours of Sunday.  

He is survived by his parents, wife Mohinder Pal Kaur, two daughters and a son. Jagsir had visited his village only last week. “He phoned us last night for New Year greetings,” said his mother.

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Defence spokesperson Col NN Joshi said the Pakistan army resorted to unprovoked firing on Indian posts. “The Indian Army retaliated strongly and effectively. In the exchange of fire, sepoy Jagsir Singh was grievously injured. He succumbed later.”

Sources said Jagsir Singh was targeted by snipers of the Baloch Regiment. 

“He was a brave and sincere soldier and the nation will always remain indebted to him for the supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty,” Col Joshi said. 

According to defence experts, the Pakistan army is using three types of sniper rifles — Russia-made Dragunov, US-made Barret M82 and Austria-made Steyr SSG 69. All three have an effective shooting range of 3,700 metres. — TNS