Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 3: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was martyred in firing by Pakistani Rangers along the International Border in Samba sector this afternoon, leading to panic among the border dwellers of both Samba and Hiranagar sectors, some of whom shifted to safer areas while few others had to be evacuated. Click here to watch video
A BSF Head Constable RP Hazra, whose 51st birthday falls today, sustained a gun shot in his abdomen while manning forward border post at Chak Dulma in Samba sector at 4.20 pm today, causing him serious injuries. He was shifted to hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Hazra hailed from village Rampura in Murshidabad district of West Bengal and is survived by his wife, son and daughter.
His body will be flown to his native town tomorrow with full military honours.
Immediately after ceasefire violation by Pakistani Rangers, the BSF jawans from this side retaliated very effectively to silence the Pakistani guns.
Pakistani Rangers also opened firing at Manyari and Pansar in Samba and Londi and Bobiya areas in Hiranagar sector for a brief period, leading to exchanges. The firing stopped after sometime.
During past 10 days, six security personnel have been martyred in Pakistan firing on Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB).
On December 23, four Army personnel including a Major were martyred at Keri sector of Rajouri district while days later another Army jawan was martyred in Nowshera sector.
Some civilians from Londi and Bobiya areas of Hiranagar sector shifted to safer areas this evening while some families, engaged in religious function at Bobiya, were evacuated in a bullet-proof bunker.
There was panic among the border villagers in other forward areas of the International Border also following fresh ceasefire violations by Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan army also violated ceasefire for a brief period along LoC in Balakote sector of Poonch district this evening.
However, there were no casualties or damage on the Indian side.
Indian troops retaliated effectively.
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