BSF guns down 5 infiltrators along Indo-Pak border

The Border Security Force (BSF) shot dead five intruders along the India-Pakistan International Border in Punjab early on Saturday (August 22).

According to a senior official, the infiltrators were trying to enter India via the Khemkaran border in Tarn Taran district when they were intercepted by the BSF.

They had reportedly fired at BSF personnel when stopped and the latter had to retaliate which led to the death of the infiltrators.

“Alert troops of the 103rd battalion noticed suspicious movement of intruders violating the IB in the Taran Taran district of Punjab. When asked to stop, the intruders fired on BSF troops who retaliated in self-defence. Subsequently, five intruders were shot dead,” the BSF officer said.

Another BSF official said the incident happened around 4:45 am.

An intensive search operation along the front is underway.

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Meanwhile, reports said Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire by resorting to unprovoked firing and mortar shelling along the international border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The ceasefire violation in the Border Outpost Karol Mathna area of Hiranagar sector started at 11.30 pm on Friday, prompting strong and effective retaliation by the Border Security Force (BSF), officials said.

The cross-border firing between the two sides continued throughout the night and ended at 4.40 am on Saturday, officials said.

There was no report of any casualty or damage on the Indian side. However, the firing caused panic among border residents who were forced to spend the night in underground bunkers for their safety.

Pakistan has been frequently targeting forward posts and villages in Hiranagar sector of Jammu and Kashmir to stall the construction work being undertaken by BSF to strengthen the counter-infiltration grid, officials added.

(With inputs from agencies)