One civilian was killed while two others were injured in ‘unprovoked’ firing by Pakistan Rangers from across the International Border in Manguchak area of Samba in Jammu frontier on Friday. The firing was reported along the International Border after a gap of almost two long months.
Three civilians were killed in RS Pura Sector on August 29, 2015 following which DG-level talks were held between India and Pakistan Border Guards to defuse the escalating border tensions in the area.
According to field reports, “Three labourers, engaged by BSF for carrying our repair work in the forward area, were injured late Friday evening around 5.00 pm when Pakistani rangers targeted them in the Manguchak area of Samba. The labourers were moving closer to the ‘sand band’ when they were hit by bullets from across the border.
Jawans of Border Security Force also retaliated the fire after three labourers were hit by bullets. BSF spokesman confirmed that three labourers received bullet injuries after Pakistani rangers started unprovoked firing targeting BSF Naka mound and civil labourers in Samba sector around 5.05 pm. BSF spokesman said, BSF jawans retaliated the firing and the same continued for about half an hour in the forward area of Samba sector.
One of the labourer identified as Raj Kumar, residence of Chhattisgarh, injured seriously in the firing incident later succumbed to his injuries in the district hospital Samba, official sources said.
Two injured labourers were identified as Baldev Singh, residence of Ferozepur and Bhagwat Prasad, residence of Chhattisgarh.
Meanwhile, following fresh exchange of firing during the peak festive season in Jammu region high alert has been sounded along the International border to prevent fresh infiltration bids. Inspector General of BSF, Jammu frontier, Rakesh Sharma had earlier claimed on Wednesday around 70-80 militants were camping across training camps and receiving training before sneaking inside the Indian territory.