J&K: Hours after ‘pleading’ to stop firing, Pakistan violated ceasefire in Arnia sector

Hours after 'pleading' with the BSF to stop firing, Pakistan on Monday again violated ceasefire in Arnia sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan had opened small-arms firing in Ramgarh sector of Samba on Sunday, 20 May night. Intermittent firing is still underway.

The officer, who requested not to be named, said the BSF troops guarding the border retaliated to silence the Pakistani guns and the exchange of fire between the two sides was going on when the last reports came in. However, there was no report of any casualty, he added.

A policeman was injured in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in RS Pura sector, admitted to hospital. Superintendent of Police RC Kotal said, 'Heavy shelling has been going on Arnia since morning. 3 injured. Sent rescue vehicle. Found shell at police station. Have asked people to stay inside'

Earlier on Sunday, the BSF said the Pakistan Rangers "pleaded" with them to stop firing along the IB, after being pounded with heavy artillery that left a Pakistani trooper dead.

The BSF also released a 19-second thermal-imagery footage, showing the destruction of a Pakistani picket across the border, in retaliation to the unprovoked firing and shelling along the IB.

Four civilians were killed and 11 others injured in the Jammu area due to the firing, which increased in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, 19 May.

Over 700 such incidents have been reported this year, which have left 38 people, including 18 security personnel, dead and scores injured.

(with PTI inputs)