Srinagar: Pakistani troops used heavy artillery during Friday’s unprovoked ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) in several sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, causing loss of lives and a huge damage to property on the Indian side, a top BSF officer said here on Sunday.
Five security forces personnel were among the 11 persons killed in multiple instances of ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the LoC between the Gurez and Uri sectors of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, even as the Indian Army caused extensive damage to Pakistan Army’s infrastructure in retaliation.
Those killed in the Pakistani aggression include four armymen, a Border Security Force (BSF) jawan and six civilians.
“Pakistan fired heavy artillery without any provocation, but the Army and the BSF fought with bravery, gave a befitting response to them and many defences (installations) of Pakistan were destroyed,” Inspector General of BSF, Kashmir Rajesh Mishra said.
He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of BSF Sub-Inspector Rakesh Doval, who was killed in the Pakistani firing.
Mishra said the Pakistani firing caused loss of lives and a huge destruction of civilian property on the Indian side of the fence.
He said the slain BSF man deserves the highest tributes as he fought despite getting injured in the shelling.
Mishra said about 250-300 militants were ready at launchpads across the LoC to sneak into the Indian side.
“Security forces, including the BSF, have been successful in foiling their designs and will continue to do that,” he said.
The BSF officer also said human rights organisations should take note of the killings of civilians and the damage caused to civilian properties in the intense shelling by Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Army on Sunday paid floral tributes to four soldiers who were killed in ceasefire violations by Pakistan in several sectors along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Those killed in the Pakistani aggression include four Armymen, a BSF jawan and six civilians.
“The Army today paid tributes to Havildar Hardhan Chandra Roy, Naik Satai Bhushan Rameshrao, Gunner Subodh Ghosh and Sepoy Jondhale Rushikesh Ramchandra, who made the supreme sacrifice on 13 November 2020 in North Kashmir.
“In a solemn ceremony at Badamibagh Cantonment, Lt Gen B S Raju, Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks paid homage to the gallant soldiers on behalf of the proud and grateful nation,” an Army spokesman said.
He said Havildar Roy and Gunner Ghosh of the Regiment of Artillery were deployed in Uri sector, while Naik Rameshrao and Sepoy Ramchandra of the Maratha Light Infantary were deployed in Gurez Sector.
“In the unprovoked artillery shelling by Pakistan Army, these brave hearts received multiple splinter injuries. They were provided immediate medical aid and evacuated to nearest military medical facility but unfortunately succumbed to their injuries,” the spokesman said.
Havildar Roy (38), who belonged to Mhedhipara village of Assam’s Dhubri district, joined the Army in 2001 and is survived by his wife and son.
Naik Rameshrao (28), who hailed from Katol village in Maharashtra’s Nagpur district, joined the Army in 2011 and is survived by his parents.
Gunner Ghosh (22) had joined the Army in 2017, the spokesman said, adding, he belonged to Raghunathpur village of West Bengal’s Nadia district and is survived by his wife and parents.
Sepoy Ramchandra (20) hailed from Bahirewadi village of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur district.
“He had joined the Army in 2019 and is survived by his parents,” the spokesman said.
He said the Chinar Corps also acknowledges the supreme sacrifice of Sub-Inspector Rakesh Doval of Border Security Force who laid down his life during the ceasefire violation in Naugam sector.
