J&K: Fresh firing from across the border

Indian forward posts came under fresh fire from across the border in Pagwal border on Friday morning leading the Border Security Force to retaliate, the second such incident in less than ten hours.

On Thursday night, two BSF jawans were injured in firing from Pakistani side when they were trying to foil an infiltration bid from across the border.

During the checking of border fencing around 0630 hours this morning, there was firing from Illyas post from Pakistani side on Nikowal forward belt along the international border and BSF troops retaliated resulting in exchanges for some time, Inspector General, BSF frontier Jammu, A K Sarolia told PTI.

Sarolia, who is supervising the search, combing and sanitisation operation along the International Border in Pargwal forward area in Akhnoor tehsil of the district, said there was no casualty in the exchanges this morning.

Referring to reports of infiltration of four militants during the heavy exchange of fire last night, the IG said, "There was no cutting in the fencing. We have checked the fencing and saw no breach in it."

"We will again resume physical checking of border which was stalled due to firing and will also take manual sanitisation of other sections of the border in the area to see whether any infiltration has taken place", Sarolia said, adding so far they have not found any signs of infiltration in the area.

There was heavy firing from Pakistani side on India's Nikowal forward area in Pargwal belt of Jammu district from 1845 hours to 2350 hours last night which was replied by BSF troops manning the area, resulting in exchanges between the two sides.

Referring to ceasefire violation, Sarolia said it is yet to be ascertained whether the firing was opened by the Pakistani troops or militants.

"Possibly it looks that militants have fired to infiltrate into this side. But there is a possibility of active support by the Pakistani rangers", he said, adding a conclusion can be arrived at only after studying the ground evidence and weaponry used in the firing.

A major cordon, search and sanitisation operation was launched by the BSF and police in the Pargwal forward area after sealing all entry and exit routes to the area.

"The search and combing operation is on," Sarolia said adding security set up has been put on alert all along the border in view of intelligence reports that militants have been staged along the borderline to cross over to this side.

A large number of security personnel have been deployed in the entire Pargwal area to find out if any militant has entered into this side under the cover of firing.

Last night's attempt by militants to infiltrate was the third such attempt from across the border in September.

On September 1, an army jawan was killed in cross border firing during an infiltration attempt in Balnoie forward post in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district.

On September 9, three infiltrating militants and an army major were killed when army foiled an infiltration bid in Mendhar tehsil of Poonch district.