Exchange of Fire across LoC, BSF Jawan Killed: Reports

A BSF jawan has been killed in firing from across the Line of Control (LoC) that divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan, said an army official.

Shurvir Singh, the trooper, was hit by a bullet and died on the spot in Sabzian sector of Poonch district, located nearly 240 km north-east of Jammu, reported IANS.

In a ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops opened fire at about 11.30 am, which BSF retaliated, said report.

“This was a brazen case of ceasefire violation,” a spokesman of the Indian Army was quoted as saying.

Early in the morning, exchange of fire took place between BSF and either militants or Pakistani Rangers in Kanachak sector close to Akhnoor along the international border.

A BSF petrol party opened fire after observing some movement near the border in Kanachak sector, situated 35 km west of Jammu. Consequently, Pakistani side retaliated.

“We are not sure if the fire that came from Pakistan was by Pakistani Rangers or a group of militants trying to infiltrate into the Indian side,” a BSF official said.

Report said that visibility was poor due to fog. However, once daylight broke the BSF personnel found that the barbed wire fence erected on the Indian side to check infiltration from Pakistan ‘was cut at two points’.

‘Militants were taking advantage of the thick fog along the international border,’ the BSF official said.