Pak Rangers provided cover to infiltrators: BSF

Jammu: The BSF says an infiltration attempt by terrorists in the Samba sector on Thursday night took place along with over a thousand rounds of fire and grenades thrown. They are convinced the Pakistan Rangers provided covering fire to the terrorists.

The Border Security Force says it's the worst incident of border firing along the India Pakistan International Border since the ceasefire of 2003.

Although the BSF is not accusing Pakistan of violating the border, but is clear that a major infiltration attempt was made in the Samba sector on Thursday night.

According to the BSF, the rounds recovered were of type used in AK47 rifles, which are usually used by militants, not by regular Pakistani forces. However, the BSF believes that the Pakistani Rangers did provide covering fire to the infiltrators.

“If they are not directly involved, they would be knowing of the infiltration. We are taking up this issue very seriously and will take it up with the highest authority,” says JB Sangwan.

However, the Pakistan Defence minister Chaudhry Ahmad Mukhtar says he doesn't want war with India at a time when there are so many other problems for both countries.

"I am sure that both the countries are showing flexibility from their traditional positions. We don't want to fight a war,” says he.

Chaudhry also says, “Today is the time for economic wars and we must prepare ourselves. There are food shortages, oil problem, the electricity problem and these problems can't be solved if we are at war with each other.”

Pakistan says the Rangers were not involved and that it was actually an exchange of fire between the BSF and smugglers.

“A group of 7-8 infiltrators were trying to cross over to the Indian side. From quantum of fire it seemed there were 15. They came close to the fence and started cutting it. We started firing and then there was an exchange and over 1000 were fired. Five to six grenades were lobbed,” says Additional DIG, BSF, J B Sangwan.

The firing was so intense and indiscriminate that a village close to the action was hit. “The firing was so intense that it even reached the village,” says villager, Baingral, Puran Chand.

Even though the firing is not being described as a ceasefire violation, the involvement of Pakistan Rangers is not ruled out.

Given that this incident comes at the time crucial for Indo-Pak dialogue, both sides are aware of its repercussions.