BSF fires 5,000 mortar shells, 35,000 bullets in 11 days

NEW DELHI: The Border Security Force ( BSF) has responded with massive fire in retaliation to Pakistan Ranger's relentless attempts to push heavily armed terrorists into Indian territory since October 19 through continuous ceasefire violations. The massive retaliation has claimed the lives of at least 15 Pakistani soldiers besides some civilians on the other side.

The BSF, responding to Pakistan's firing and mortar shelling for past 11 days, has fired 3000 long range mortar shells (81mm area weapons), which can hit targets within the range of 5 to 6 km, 2000 short range mortar shells (51mm mortar shells), which can hit targets at 900 meters and over 35,000 bullets using small arms, including MMG, LMG, and rifles etc.

Officials said long-range mortar shells are used to destroy enemy positions and small range weapons for targeting terrorists and Pak Rangers firing from posts close to the border.

Most of cross-border firing has been taking place in the Jammu sector, especially during the night when Pak Rangers provide covering fire to help terrorists infiltrate into the Indian side.

BSF itself lost three jawans since October 19. Officials said more than 60 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have been recorded at the International Border in less than two weeks. ADG (Western Sector) of BSF Arun Kumar had said that the force had been giving befitting reply to Pakistan's aggression.

The BSF, sources said, has been supplied with additional inventory of ammunitions in view of the prevailing border situation and because of approaching winter. The western border has been on the boil since Indian army's surgical strikes last month and both Army and BSF are on high alert.