A Border Security Force (BSF) trooper was killed in yet another ceasefire violation by Pakistan, this time in Jammu-Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The BSF said that Pakistani Army had resorted to sniper firing in Tangdhar area of the LoC on Tuesday, 20 February.
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“Constable SK Murmu deployed at forward defence location (FDL) on the LoC, was hit in the firing. He was shifted to army’s base hospital in Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries late on Tuesday,” he said.
According to officials, Murmu was deployed in Karnah sector of the Tangdhar area. He was shot at around 4.30 pm and passed away four hours later.
“He was initially evacuated on foot from the forward area and then taken to Srinagar in an Army helicopter. However, Murmu succumbed to the fatal sniper shot. He was shot at by the Pakistani forces,” a senior officer said.
Murmu, who hails from Jamui district in Bihar, was 28 and had joined the force in 2013. The death of the BSF trooper takes the toll to over 20 since 1 January.
In retaliation, the Indian Army has killed 20 Pakistani soldiers following ceasefire violations by the neighbour in the last 45 days. According to reports, the Army itself has lost 10 soldiers in the corresponding period since 1 January.
Ceasefire violations by Pakistan have been on the rise since January this year prompting J-K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to call for a dialogue with Pakistan.
“Guns cannot solve any problems, only talks can,” she said in her latest call on 18 February underlining the need for both India and Pakistan to hold talks.
Besides ceasefire violation, Pakistan-sponsored terrorists have been launching attacks on India. Six soldiers and a civilian lost their lives in the 10 February attack on the Sunjuwan Military Camp.
Indian Army lost 28 soldiers along the LoC in 2017. Around 138 Pak Army soldiers were killed in retaliation the same year.
(With inputs from agencies.)
