Even as there has been no let up in the intense exchange of firing and shelling from the Pakistan side along the line of Control in Poonch sector since October 10, 2013.
Pak rangers on Monday targeted a BSF post along the International border in Samba district and seriously injured a BSF jawan in a brazen act of ceasefire violation.
The 42-year-old BSF jawan M Basu, belonging to 9th Battalion, received bullet injuries on his chest and left arm while on duty. His condition was stated to be critical when doctors in Samba district hospital referred him to the Govt Medical College Hospital in Jammu.
According to BSF sources, "It was a sniper fire which injured BSF soldier deployed at Katao post in Durmey Chak, Ghagwal area of Samba around 11.30 am" After hitting the BSF soldier Pak rangers also targeted the border post along the International border provoking strong retaliation from the India side as well.
Immediately, after the sniping incident was reported the BSF alerted all its field commanders along the International border to maintain tight vigil and enhance patrolling to foil any infiltration bid.
At the same time, the BSF has fast tracked completion of repair work of the damaged portion of the barbed fence along the IB which was recently washed away due to flash floods in the month of August.
The three fidayeens before attacking the Hiranagar police station and 16th cavalry unit of the Army in Samba are believed to have infiltrated through open patches in the small rivulet on September 26. Pak had earlier injured two BSF soldiers in similar incidents of sniper fire on August 5.
Meanwhile, situation along the line of control in Poonch sector continues to be tense as Pak army has been exchanging intense fire and shelling the forward Indian posts using 82 mm mortars since October 10, 2013 in Mendhar sector. The border residents in the area had already started approaching the district administration to highlight their plight and urging them to take necessary steps ensuring safety of their livestock and families.
The villagers briefed the senior officials with proof that splinters of mortar shells have been falling in civilian areas with alarming frequency and it is becoming difficult for them to move around safely even during day time as Pak gun positions have been deliberately targeting the civilian pockets.
The students in the area have been worst-affected along with farmers as class work initially remained suspended at the peak of skirmishes in the aftermath of brutal attack on the Indian jawans on August 5.