Soldier killed as Pak violates ceasefire in Nowshera on Eid
UNPROVOKED FIRING Army’s patrol comes under attack
JAMMU : On the occasion of Eid, Pakistan Army killed an Indian soldier along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday morning. However, defence spokesman Col NN Joshi said Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of mortars on routine Indian Army patrol, 700m inside Indian territory, in Nowshera sector in morning.
“In the exchange of fire, Rifleman Bikas Gurung, 21, a resident of Khunka Khuki village in Manipur, was grievously injured and died soon afterwards. Rifleman Gurung is survived by his mother Beana May Gurung,” said Col Joshi.
Col Joshi clarified that there was no trans-border raid and it was a ceasefire violation. A senior army officer said the unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistan, especially on EId-ulFitr was unethical and unprofessional.
“Our troops have exercised maximum restraint in spite of grave provocation. However, Indian Army has been forced to respond to the unprovoked firing and will give a befitting reply at the right time and place,” he said.
He informed that the exchange of sweets between Indian and Pakistani soldiers on the occasion of Eid stands cancelled in view of the ongoing hostilities.
An intelligence official said at around 8am on Saturday, army authorities of 2/1 Gurkha Rifles informed Laam police post sepoy Bikas Gurung while patrolling at Roop Takri Post in Pukherni area, received multiple splinter injuries in enemy fire. He was shifted to an army medical facility in the area where he succumbed to his injuries.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Rangers, who killed four BSF men late Tuesday night in an attack close to Chamliyal shrine in Ramgarh sub-sector of Samba district, opened few rounds of small arms fire on Pittal post of the BSF in Arnia sub-sector of RS Pura in Jammu on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday. The BSF exercised restraint. There was no loss of life or injury.