On Friday, the BSF reported that unprovoked firing by Pakistan Rangers along the International Border in Jammu continued for nearly seven hours, targeting Indian posts and civilian areas.
In an official statement, the Border Security Force (BSF) stated that the Pakistan Rangers fired mortars and used heavy machine guns, causing two non-fatal injuries.
BSF Constable Basva Raj received minor splinter injuries in both hands as a result of the shelling. A local, Arnia resident Rajni Devi, also suffered minor injuries.
The force stated that the Pakistani firing began around 8 pm on Thursday and continued until 2:45 am on Friday.
“The BSF is continuing to closely monitor developments while assessing the situation and remains alert to respond as necessary to ensure the safety and security of the border and its residents,” the force stated.
The BSF stated that after the unprovoked firing began, BSF troops retaliated, and the Pak Rangers extended their firing to target BSF border posts adjacent to Arnia. In response, BSF forward defence posts in these areas retaliated.
At around 9:15 pm on Thursday, Pakistan Rangers began mortar firing targeting border outposts and civilian areas. Some of the shells landed in Arnia town, resulting in minor injuries to a civilian, the BSF said.
“Around 10:40 pm on Thursday, Pakistan Rangers used heavy machine gun fire and targeted our posts. Around 1 am the Rangers again fired and targeted BSF posts, leading to an exchange of fire,” the statement said.
Firing continued till 2:45 am.
The BSF stated that the injured jawan’s condition was stable and that material damage was being assessed.
The intermittent exchange of fire between Pakistani Rangers and BSF personnel along the International Border in Arnia and RS Pura sectors of Jammu district ended early Friday.
Scores of families that had fled the border hamlets overnight after the unprovoked firing by Pakistani Rangers have now started returning to their homes.
