Tension gripped International Border (IB) on Friday after Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing on the Indian forward positions and civilian areas, leaving a Border Security Force (BSF) soldier dead and a civilian injured in Arnia sector of RS Pora in the Jammu division.
Constable Brijendra Bahadur Singh was on a duty at Forward Post near the fence when Pakistan Rangers opened fire at 3 am on Friday. Singh suffered bullet injuries in his abdomen and was rushed to the Government Medical College Hospital Jammu where he was declared dead on arrival.
"Constable Brijendra Bahadur Singh, who attained martyrdom during heavy firing from other side of the border, defended duty post valiantly by giving befitting reply to suppress enemy fire," said a BSF spokesman.
Hailing from Vidya Bhawan Naraypur village of Balia district in Uttar Pradesh, the 32-year-old is survived by wife Sushmita Singh. Cremation will take place at his native village on Saturday.
"As a peaceful country we never initiate fire from our side. But we will never hesitate to give befitting reply if we are compelled," said Ram Awtar, inspector general of BSF, Jammu Frontier.
A tearful homage was paid to the martyr at a solemn ceremony held at Jammu on Friday. Leading the nation to pay homage was Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh.
"Sacrifice of martyrs shall be remembered forever. BSF has the history of bravery. BSF is the most professional force to protect the sovereignty of the national boundary and people of nation can sleep fearlessly while border men are on duty," Dr Singh said.
Intermittent firing continued from both sides through the night at different sectors. Pakistan Rangers also used long range mortars to pound Indian positions. "Pak violated ceasefire at Nikowal, Budhwar, Buley-Chak, S.H.Beh and Shahnaz-Arnia Sectors, Jammu last night. BSF jawan killed, civilian injured", tweeted Jammu and Kashmir Police.
GFX
2017
285 – Ceasefire violations along LoC (till Aug 1)
23 – Ceasefire violations along IB (till Aug 1)
308 – Total cross-border firing incidents (till Aug 1)
2016
228 – Ceasefire violations along LoC
221 – Ceasefire violations along IB
449 – Total cross-border firing incidents
2015
253 – Ceasefire violations along LoC
152 – Violations along IB
405 – Total cross-border firing incidents
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