Trooper killed in firing from Pakistan

JAMMU - A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was killed when Pakistani Rangers opened fire at a forward post of the Indian border guards in Jammu and Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector early Tuesday.

Pakistani Rangers started firing at the Chak Sagwali post in Pargwal area, about 45 km northwest of Jammu, around 6.15 a.m., officials said.

The gunfire, in violation of the November 2003 ceasefire on the border, hit Sultan Ali, a head constable of the BSF. He was hit by a hail of bullets and died on the spot, according to a BSF official.

The Indian side retaliated. The exchange of gunfire lasted for about 15 minutes.

While it was not known if there was any casualty on the Pakistani side, the official said it was suspected that Pakistan wanted a group of militants to infiltrate into Indian territory during the firing.