Pakistani Rangers violate ceasefire and open unprovoked fire on BSF post along IB in Jammu
BSF troops gave a befitting response to the cross-border firing by Pakistani Rangers, which started around 5:50 PM and lasted for over 20 minutes along the International Border (IB) in Jammu.
Jammu News: Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday violated the bilateral ceasefire agreement when they resorted to unprovoked firing at a Border Security Force (BSF) post along the international border in the Jammu region. According to defense officials, BSF troops gave a befitting response to the cross-border firing that started around 5.50 pm and lasted for over 20 minutes.
“BSF personnel manning the Makwal border post retaliated befittingly for the firing from across the border, with the exchange lasting over 20 minutes starting at 5:50 p.m.,” they said, adding that there were no casualties or damage to the Indian side were inflicted by the Pakistani fire.
According to officials, the situation is being monitored by a senior officer and security personnel deployed along the international border have been asked to remain alert.
Notably, the ceasefire violation comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the erstwhile state. Prime Minister Modi will visit the Union Territory on February 20 and will also hold a public meeting in Jammu during his visit.
Last year, on the intervening night of November 8-9, a BSF jawan was killed when Pakistan Rangers fired in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district – the first death on this side since February 25, 2021, when a renewed ceasefire the fire was agreed upon by the two countries.
Earlier on October 26, two BSF personnel and a woman were injured in cross-border firing in Arnia sector of Jammu, while another BSF jawan was injured in a similar incident on October 17.
PM Modi inaugurates AIIMS and holds meeting during JK visit
The Jammu and Kashmir government has been gearing up for the Prime Minister's visit and security has been beefed up in the erstwhile state in view of his public meeting in Jammu.
During his visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate several projects and inaugurate the AIIMS hospital and flyovers, Jammu and Kashmir BJP chief Ravinder Raina said on Wednesday.
“There is good news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that Prime Minister Modi will address the audience at the Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu on February 20 at 11 am. The people of Jammu and Kashmir love Prime Minister Modi. Modi Saheb brought peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir. Whether it is a village or city, development is taking place everywhere. On February 20, the people of JK will come in large numbers to support the Prime Minister,” Raina told news agency ANI.
(With input from agencies)