BSF asked to give 'befitting reply' to Pakistani firing: Rajnath Singh

New Delhi, Jan 2: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said he has directed the Border Security Force (BSF) to give a "befitting reply to any unprovoked firing" from Pakistan.

"I have given directions to the BSF to give befitting reply to any unprovoked firing from the other (Pakistani) side of the border," he told reporters here.

Rajnath Singh also said any unprovoked firing would be dealt with firmly.

On a question whether it was Pakistan's strategy to infiltrate terrorists into Indian territory, the minister said "yes". "No doubt about that."

Earlier last month, at the Border Security Force (BSF) Raising Day Parade programme at the BSF Camp in Chhawla, Rajnath said, "Our BSF jawans are the most concerned about 'Rashtriya Swabhiman' (national pride). No power can cast an evil eye on our country."

"BSF jawans gave a befitting reply when Pakistan violated ceasefire.

"People of India are by and large peaceful by nature but if anyone dares to challenge our sense of pride BSF will give a befitting reply," he said.

Highlighting the force's role during war time, he said that the BSF has always been the first line of defence.

IANS