15 Pakistan Rangers killed in retaliatory fire by BSF

NEW DELHI: Fifteen Pakistan Rangers were killed by the Border Security Force (BSF) in retaliatory fire to a ceasefire violation along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan, PTI reported quoting the BSF.

A senior BSF officer said a conservative estimate made by its personnel and surveillance equipment show that at least 15 Pakistan Rangers have been killed.

The BSF has also said that Pakistan forces are pushing militants into the Indian side of the border. “They are escalating the tension. We are giving them a befitting reply,” said the officer.

The Pakistan forces are using heavy mortars- 120mm, besides small arms fire.

The officer said since the past 24 hours there was an action conducted by the Pakistan Border Action Team in Rajouri sector.

On Thursday, a Pakistani Ranger was killed and another injured in retaliatory firing by Indian troops after overnight shelling by Pakistani forces in R S Pura and Arnia sectors along the IB.

On October 21, the BSF had stated that it shot dead seven Pakistan Rangers personnel and a militant during cross border firing at the IB in Hira Nagar sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan yesterday violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control in Sundarbani and Pallanwala sectors in Rajouri and Jammu districts.

The BSF said that a girl was injured in overnight cross border firing by Pakistan along the IB in Kathua and Jammu districts.

Firing and shelling by Pakistan also took place in Hiranagar sector of Jammu last night, as per the BSF. Three civilians were injured on Friday morning when Pakistan resorted to heavy shelling in Hiranagar.