BSF denounces sniper killings, Pakistan pledges to maintain peace

The BSF on 26 September denounced the killing of two of its troops by Pakistani snipers along the Jammu and Kashmir border, officials said, adding Pakistan Rangers promised to maintain peace on the troubled frontier.

The Border Security Force lodged its complain at a meeting of its sector commanders with those of Pakistan Rangers on the international border in Suchetgarh area of Jammu district.

The meeting lasted one hour and 45 minutes and was held at the request of Pakistan Rangers, a BSF statement said.

At the meeting, the BSF strongly objected to the "dastardly acts of sniping" by Pakistan Rangers of two BSF soldiers on September 24 and August 25 along the border security fence and the "unprovoked cross-border firing and shelling" on many Indian border villages.

The BSF officers made it clear that such provocative acts won't be tolerated and that the BSF shall respond "with equal and more measures".

They also strongly objected to allowing armed militants close to the international border at night so that they could sneak into Jammu and Kashmir.

"Pakistan Rangers (promised to take) required measures to maintain peace at the border and also requested that the BSF should restrain as much as possible in counter measures to see that no civilian loss is caused on the Pakistan side," the statement said.

The two sides decided to re-energize instant communication between field commanders, when required, to resolve petty matters.

The BSF said the meeting was held in "a cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere" and both sides agreed to expeditiously implement the decisions taken in the earlier meetings and promised to maintain peace on the border.

The BSF delegation of 17 officers was led by P.S. Dhiman, the Deputy Inspector General of Jammu sector. Brigadier Amjad Hussain, Sector Commander of Chenab Rangers led a delegation of 14 Pakistani officers.

The previous meeting of sector commanders was held on 9 March.

Friday's meeting follows heavy shelling and firing on the international border this month "in which the BSF gave strong calibrated reply to Pakistan Rangers.

"During this period, the BSF foiled successfully a number of infiltration attempts from Pakistan soil including killing of an intruder on September 4 in Arnia sector," it said.

-IANS