Unsuccessful infiltration attempts along the international border for the past one month, prompted Pakistan Rangers on Thursday night resorted to mortar shelling on BSF border out posts (BOPs) in Arnia and R S Pura sectors. “Small arms fire from Pakistan side started around 8 pm which gradually shifted to mortar shelling on BSF posts in Arnia”. As many as eight BSF posts were affected, sources said, adding that the firing later spread to R S Pura sector.

The BSF retaliated and the exchange of fire was so intense that Pakistan got what it deserves. Terrorist movement on Pakistan side of the international border increased early this month, making the BSF deploy additional troops. The BSF has foiled seven infiltration attempts in January alone.

Security arrangements are tightened across the state following reports that terrorists may sneak into the state to attack soft targets like schools, civilian population and even vehicles playing on the national highway. Lt General H K Singh, General Officer Commanding of 16 Corps, which is guarding the Line of Control from Chhamb to Poonch sector in Jammu region, said that nearly 200 terrorists were waiting across the LoC looking for an opportunity to sneak in. Pointing out that the Army is maintaining highest degree of alert along the LoC, he said that nearly 15 of the total 44 terrorist training camps in PoK fall opposite their areas of operation in South of Pir Panjal.

By Premji