Pakistan Rangers on Wednesday engaged in unprovoked small arms fire at a Border Security Force (BSF) post along the internal border in the R S Pura sector of Jammu and Kashmir, violating the ceasefire agreement established in 2021.
The firing reporetedly originated from Pakistan’s Chenab post opposite Allah Mai De Kothey around 5:50 p.m., prompting a retaliation from the BSF posts in R S Pura and Makwal. A BSF spokesperson confirmed that security forces “befittingly responded” to the unprovoked firing. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or property damage on the Indian side. The troops remain on high alert as tensions escalate along the border.
This incident marks the second ceasefire violation in as many months, following an unfortunate event in November when a BSF personnel lost his life in Pakistani firing in Samba district’s Ramgarh sector. This was the first fatality on the Indian side since the renewal of the ceasefire on 25 February 2021.
PM Modi says, "People of Jammu & Kashmir were devoid of social justice. Today, we are satisfied that we have brought social justice to the people of Jammu & Kashmir in line with our commitment to social justice. Terrorism had become like a thorn, shooting bullets into the chest… pic.twitter.com/IEsrJ4YMNm
— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024
The region has witnessed sporadic incidents of cross-border firing, further highlighting the volatility of the situation. Last October, two BSF personnel and a civilian woman were injured in cross-border firing in Jammu’s Arnia sector. Another BSF jawan suffered injuries in a similar incident on October 17.
Amidst these tensions, senior officers are closely monitoring the situation, and security personnel deployed along the International Border (IB) have been instructed to remain on high alert.
The ceasefire violation coincides with Indian PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the Union Territory on 20 February, where the leader is scheduled to address a public rally.