NEW DELHI: Home Minister Rajnath Singh was today briefed by the BSF on the ground situation along the border in Jammu and Kashmir where Pakistan is continuously firing on frontier posts and civilian areas.
During the hour-long briefing, Director General of Border Security Force D K Pathak informed the Home Minister about the damage caused to the assets of BSF as well as some damage caused to the civilians living close to the International Border following firing and shelling by soldiers of Pakistan Rangers.
Singh was apprised of the deaths and injuries caused to the BSF and the civilians in the area, a Home Ministry official said.
Two civilians were killed 17 others including four BSF jawans were injured in firing and shelling by Pakistani troops during last 45 days.
Firing and shelling from across the border have taken in civilian areas in Arnia, R S Pura, Ramgarh, Akhnoor and Kanachak forward areas along IB in Jammu and Samba districts.
The Home Minister enquired about the morale of the forces deployed in the areas affected by Pak shelling. He was told that the morale of the forces was very high.
Singh was informed that BSF officers are on the ground along with the troops and constantly guiding the troops.
The Home Minister appreciated the efforts of the BSF in tackling the situation and assured full assistance of resources to the DG, BSF for taking appropriate action on the border.
The BSF chief had visited the forward areas yesterday following a directive of the Home Minister.
The BSF had said the firing by Pakistani forces in the last 45 days was possibly the “heaviest” since the 1971 war.
India had yesterday lodged a protest with Pakistan over escalating border ceasefire violations.
The protest was lodged during telephonic talks between the DGMOs (Director General Military Operations) of the two countries.
A flag meeting between the BSF and Pak Rangers was also held today along the border in Akhnoor sector of Jammu to defuse tension. (AGENCIES)
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