Srinagar: A BSF soldier was killed on Thursday as the armies of India and Pakistan exchanged fire and resorted to heavy shelling at each other’s positions along the International Border (IB) in R S Pura sector of Jammu.
“A BSF soldier died in the heavy shelling,” Additional Deputy Commissioner of Jammu, Arun Manhas, said. “BSF troops are giving a befitting reply to Pakistani firing.”
The slain Border Security Force soldier has been identified as head constable Suresh from Tamil Nadu.
The firing and shelling on the Border Out Posts and civilian areas in RS Pura sector started at 2100 hours Wednesday, a BSF official said.
Shells fired by Pakistan landed in Arnia belt and hit several villages as well.
“The district administration has asked all its officers to remain in a state of highest preparedness in view of continuous ceasefire violations by Pakistan,” he said.
However, the villagers have not been evacuated so far, he said.
Meanwhile, authorities on Thursday ordered the closure of all schools located near the International Border in Jammu in view of cross-border firing.
“As a precautionary measure, some educational institutions located near the border LoC have been closed on Thursday,” an official said.
