Pak Rangers fire mortar shells in Jammu region

In a sign of escalating tension along the international border, Pakistani Rangers fired mortar shells at various places in the R S Pura sector of Jammu region during wee hours of Sunday.

Sources said Pakistan’s unprovoked firing began around 1.30 am with some of the shells hitting villages situated near the border, causing panic among locals. Shelling completely damaged the roof of one house at Gharani village, while a cattle was killed in Gharana. In Phagla area, two shells failed to explode and were later defused by the BSF.

In retaliation, BSF also resorted to firing, and the exchange of fire continued till 4 am.

The Pakistani Rangers have been  resorting to unprovoked firing on the Indian side for the last one week, resulting into the death of one BSF jawan and injuries to seven others, including civilians. The BSF attributed the shelling as attempts by Pakistan to push terrorists into the Indian side.

Meanwhile, additional BSF personnel have been deployed along the border to check any infiltration attempt from Pakistan side.