2 BSF men dead as Pak opens heavy fire in Akhnoor sector
JAMMU:Pakistani sniper fire and shelling killed two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and injured 12 villagers in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor on Sunday, puncturing the hope of peace kindled after the director generals of military operations (DGMOs) of both countries agreed four days ago to strictly enforce a ceasefire declared in 2003.
At least 10 BSF posts and 35 villages were targeted by the Pakistani forces in the firing that began shortly after midnight and lasted until 10 am on Sunday. “There was targeted fire on our duty mounds from across the international border, which was helped by adjoining posts of (Pakistan) Rangers. In the targeted fire two our men were martyred,” said BSF Jammu frontier inspector general Ram Awtar. “After the DGMOs talked, we strictly adhered to ceasefire agreement but there is a difference in the words and deeds of Pakistan,” he added.
The deaths came as the state capital of Srinagar remained on edge after a paramilitary vehicle targeted by protesters ran over a 21-year-old Kashmiri man and injured another 24-year-old during heavy stone pelting after Friday prayers.
Security personnel in the state remain on a state of high alert in the wake of inputs that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) militants may try to target their installations during the ongoing holy month of Ramzan even as the Centre has declared an unilateral cessation of operations by security forces in the state.
As tensions rise, home minister Rajnath Singh is visiting the state on June 7 and 8 to review security, especially in light of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage that begins on June 28.
An Intelligence official said on the condition of anonymity that at 2.15 am, Pakistan Rangers of the 21 Chenab Rangers opened sniper fire at BSF’s Jaman Bela post of 33 Battalion in Pragwal sector of Akhnoor.
“As a result BSF constable VK Pandey, 27 years and assistant sub-inspector S N Yadav, 48 years died on the spot and mortar firing started between both the sides, which is continuing,” he added.
On May 29, Pakistani director general of military operations Sahir Shamshad Mirza called his Indian counterpart Anil Chauhan with a proposal to undertake “sincere measures” to improve the border situation and spare civilians hardships, an army statement had said.
The Indian DGMO had agreed to the proposal. “Both the DGMOs agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and to ensure that henceforth the ceasefire will not be violated by both sides,” the army said.
Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti described the deaths as “unfortunate despite talks” between the DGMOs and sought an end to the conflict.
“North Korea and South Korea have become friends after 70 years for the sake of people. But here shelling is still going on our borders. People on that side are dying and people on this side are also dying. Our agenda is only this that till these two countries don’t come close situation won’t improve,” she said in a rally in Srinagar.