Without ruling out a possible attempt of ceasefire-violation by Pakistan Rangers, Border Security Force on Friday claimed to have foiled a major attempt of infiltration by militants from Pakistan in Samba sector of Jammu. For the first time in the last four years, peace along the international border in Jammu & Kashmir was disturbed following heavy firing from Pakistan side in Samba district near here on Thursday night. Taking serious note of the matter, the BSF lodged a strong protest with the Pakistan Rangers. The BSF commander met his Pakistani counterpart and handed him the letter of protest. Sources said the Indian side was yet to receive a reply.
“Though there is no clear evidence of violation of 2003 ceasefire between India and Pakistan by the Rangers, we do not rule out the possibility of their having extended cover fire to infiltrating militants,” said Deputy Inspector General of BSF, J B Sangwan.
Infiltration attempts and stray incidents of one or two gunshots from across the Line of Control had been reported from time to time in the past too. However, these were always attributed to infiltrating militants. Thursday night’s exchange of fire assumed significance not only in view of its magnitude but also on account of it having taken place on the otherwise peaceful international border and that too, after the new political dispensation in Pakistan had suggested to keep Kashmir on the backburner to improve ties with India.
The continued peace between the two sides since November 2003 and restoration of democracy in Pakistan notwithstanding, the BSF and Army troops have been maintaining tight vigil along the LoC and international border following inputs about existence of militant camps across the border. Northern Army Commander Lt General R K Karwal had only last month said that 400 militants were waiting to sneak into Jammu Kashmir from across the border with the onset of summer. Director General of BSF A K Mitra had last week said militants were waiting across the border to sneak into the state once the snow melted.
