Pak snipers kill BSF soldier on his birthday

Pakistan provoked India again on Wednesday when its snipers shot dead a BSF head constable along the International Border (IB) in the Samba sector of Jammu division.

The incident occurred in the afternoon, when Pakistani Rangers shot at RP Hazra, causing him grievous wounds. He was immediately shifted to hospital where he succumbed.

Hailing from Murishadabad in West Bengal, the slain jawan is survived by a 21-year-old daughter and 18-year-old son. Having 27 years of service, Hazra was killed on his birthday.

BSF troops manning the IB immediately swung into action and retaliated in full steam to silence the Pakistani guns.

Inspector General of BSF, Jammu Frontier, Ram Awtaar told DNA said there was one sniping incident in which they lost a soldier. "They have violated the ceasefire in this sector and accordingly we have also retaliated. Other areas are peaceful," he said.

This is the sixth solider to have been killed by Pakistani forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and IB since December 23.

Meanwhile, Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General Devraj Anbu visited the forward areas of Kashmir Valley to review the winter preparedness and strategy for counter infiltration and counter terrorist operations.

"During his interaction with officers and men on ground, the Army Commander lauded them for their high levels of morale and vigil and exhorted them to continue to work with zeal and dedication to overcome the challenges posed by weather and the enemy", an army spokesman said.

IN THE LINE OF DUTY

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when Pakistani Rangers shot at RP Hazra, causing him grievous wounds. He was immediately shifted to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. He had been in service for 27 years