SRINAGAR: In a concerning incident, two Border Security Force (BSF) personnel and one civilian were wounded when Pakistani Rangers initiated unprovoked firing at five Indian posts along the International Border (IB) in the Arnia and Suchetgarh sectors of Jammu and Kashmir. The incident occurred on a Thursday night, with the victims reported to be in stable condition.
The firing by Pakistani troops began at approximately 8 pm in the Arnia sector. BSF forces promptly responded to the "unprovoked firing." Notably, this confrontation marked the first such incident in the region in four years, heightening the sense of urgency and concern among the local population.
One resident of Jammu's Arnia expressed their worry, highlighting the vulnerability of the community, especially households without bunkers. The return of such hostilities has raised alarm, considering the presence of children in the area.
The exchange of fire involved four to five posts on both sides, as confirmed by a BSF official. An injured BSF personnel was subsequently transferred to the Government Medical College Hospital (GMC) in Jammu for specialized treatment.
Regarding the impact on Pakistani posts during the retaliatory action by the BSF, details were pending and awaited confirmation in the morning. The situation remained fluid, with uncertainty about potential casualties on the Pakistani side.
Sources revealed that Pakistani Rangers had also fired mortar shells in civilian areas, causing panic among the border population. The affected areas included Arnia, Suchtgarh, Sia, Jabowal, and Treva along the IB. This situation forced people, including migrant laborers, to hastily evacuate their homes in Arnia and Jabowal, further illustrating the distress and instability caused by the unprovoked firing.
The incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and diplomacy in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir. International border tensions have historically sparked concern, and this recent episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those residing in the border areas.
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