Two civilians and a BSF jawan were killed and 23 injured on Friday in heavy mortar shelling by Pakistan along the International Border in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.
“Pakistan Rangers resorted to heavy firing and shelling along the IB in several areas of R S Pura, Arnia and Ramgarh sectors since 6.40 a.m.,” a BSF official said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh for the second time in two days over the alleged “unprovoked ceasefire violations” by Indian forces that killed Pakistani citizens.
The BSF official said the firing and shelling spread to Kathua district in the afternoon. Pakistan Rangers targeted 45 border outposts in the three sectors, using 82 mm and 52 mm mortar bombs, automatic and small weapons, the official said, adding that the BSF troops gave a befitting reply.
BSF head constable Jagpal Singh, who was injured during the exchanges in the Samba sector, died and two jawans were injured, a senior BSF official said. The officials said Singh (49) hailed from Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh and joined the BSF in 1988. He was posted with the Alpha company of the 173rd Battalion of the force deployed for border guarding. He is survived by a daughter and a son. The two civilians killed are Sahil (25) and Bachno Devi (50).
