In a concerning development, a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained injuries in an episode of unprovoked firing and motor shelling in the Arnia sector along the border in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday night. This unfortunate event resulted in several residents being forced to evacuate their homes, as mortar shells struck residential areas.
The hostilities began on Thursday evening when Pakistani firing led to injuries sustained by at least three individuals, including a BSF jawan. The BSF swiftly responded to the aggression from Pakistan, indicating that it was an unprovoked firing by Pakistan Rangers on BSF posts in the Arnia sector. The BSF spokesperson further stated that the retaliation was proportionate, with the Pakistani Rangers resorting to mortar shelling, which the BSF countered with an appropriate response. The intermittent firing continued until 3 a.m.
It is worth noting that this overnight shelling marks one of the most significant ceasefire violations along the international border since the ceasefire understanding between India and Pakistan was established in February 2021.
A similar incident occurred just a week ago when two BSF jawans were injured in Pakistani firing in the Arnia sector. Fortunately, the situation was swiftly brought under control following a flag meeting between local commanders of the BSF and Rangers on the border.
According to local reports, the firing began at 8 p.m. on Thursday, accompanied by loud explosions as both sides utilized mortar guns. Regrettably, some residential houses bore the brunt of the overnight shelling, with at least one house suffering damage as a result of the firing. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the continued volatility along the India-Pakistan border.
