Notwithstanding the recent pledges to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, Pakistan Rangers resorted to fresh firing on Tuesday night, killing four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and injuring three others on the International Border (IB) in Jammu’s Ramgarh sector.
A Jammu-based BSF spokesman said the Rangers manning Asraf post started “unprovoked firing” on the BSF post in Samba district at 9.40 p.m.
“Pakistan used flat and high-trajectory weapons to inflict casualties on the Indian side. Four BSF jawans were killed even as our men retaliated,” said the spokesman. Sources said the Rangers resorted to “heavy sniper fire.” The exchange of fire continued till 2 a.m.
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The BSF identified the deceased jawans as assistant commandant Jitender Singh, sub-inspector Rajneesh, assistant sub-inspector Ramniwas and constable Hansraj.
Meet on June 21
The latest truce violation comes after the June 4 agreement between the BSF and the Rangers “to maintain peace and tranquillity” on the border in a meeting held on the IB in Jammu in the wake of the killing of two BSF jawans on June 3. The two forces will again hold a sector commander-level meeting on June 21.
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A similar truce was agreed upon on May 21, after a wave of ceasefire violations left two BSF jawans and four civilians dead.
J&K witnessed over 700 ceasefire violations this year, starting from January. A total of 11 BSF personnel were killed and 37 injured. Of 50 persons killed this year, 24 were security personnel.
CM expresses grief
Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep anguish and grief over the casualties.
“The suspension of operations elsewhere in the State has given the people relief and hoped the same is extended to the borders and an atmosphere of peace returns to these areas,” said Ms. Mufti.