J&K: Pakistan firing targets police station, civilian colonies in Arnia sector; 3 policemen injured; crops catch fire
In yet another ceasefire violation, Pakistani Rangers on Monday fired mortar shells on border outposts at several places in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector, prompting retaliation by the BSF personnel guarding the International Border. The targets of today's attacks were civilian areas, including residential colonies, farms and a police station. According to the latest inputs, three policemen were injured after heavy shelling at the police station. Reports suggest a civilian was injured.
"Three border outposts are under fire from the Pakistani Rangers and the personnel deployed there are also retaliating to silence the Pakistani guns," a senior BSF personnel said.
Meanwhile, as a security measure, schools up to five kilometres range in the Valley have been closed for the day.
The latest ceasefire comes just hours after Pakistani troops fired small arms and mortars, targeting Narayanpur area of Ramgarh sector in Samba district. Yesterday, Pak Rangers had "plead" with the BSF to stop firing, after being pounded with heavy artillery that left a trooper dead across the border.
ALSO READ: Pakistani Rangers violate ceasefire hours after 'pleading' BSF to stop firing
The BSF also released a 19-second thermal-imagery footage, showing the destruction of a Pakistani picket across the border, in retaliation to the unprovoked firing and shelling along the IB. The BSF lost two of its jawans in the latest round of unprovoked firing along the IB in Jammu region since May 15.
Four civilians were killed and 11 others injured on Friday in the Jammu area due to the firing, which increased in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on May 19.
The state has witnessed a spurt in Pakistani shelling and firing along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) this year.
Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left 38 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.
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