After exchange of sweets, Pak rockets hit BSF outpost

The Deputy Inspector General of the BSF J B Sangwan confirmed that all the five rockets fell in fields near the outposts and did not result in any loss of life or injury to anyone. The BSF did not retaliate. However, the Rangers denied having opened fire on the Indian side, saying that they do not possess rockets and that the attack was likely to be the handiwork of militants.

Significantly, on Thursday, a few hours before the firing of rockets, Pakistani Rangers — in keeping with a yearly Independence Day tradition—had arrived with sweets for their BSF counterparts at the octroi post on the Indian side. The Rangers, accompanied by four children, were led by Commandant Jamal of 2nd Punjab Regiment.

Although the BSF did gift sweets to the Rangers on Independence Day, it also lodged a strong protest. “While handing over sweets, we categorically told them that the matter is of serious concern for all of us. We did not retaliate this time as there had been no loss on our side. However, we are not going to tolerate such an incident in the future,” Sangwan added.

Lt Colonel S D Goswami, Defence Ministry spokesman, said Pakistani troops have started resorting to firing on Indian positions following pressure from militant groups to cross over to this side of the LoC in order to disrupt the Assembly elections in J&K later this year. They are desperate to sneak into the state from PoK before the onset of winter when all mountainous passes get closed due to snowfall, he added.