On the evening of October 26, 2023, at approximately 8:00 PM, Pakistan Rangers initiated unprovoked firing along the Indo-Pak International Border in the Jammu sector. In a prompt response, the Border Security Force (BSF) troops retaliated immediately to the firing.
In subsequent developments, Pakistan Rangers extended their firing to target our adjacent Border Outposts (BOPs), compelling our Forward Defense Posts in these areas to retaliate effectively. Around 9:15 PM, Pak Rangers began mortar firing, directing shells toward Border outposts and civilian areas. Unfortunately, some of these shells landed in Arnia town, resulting in minor injuries to a civilian, Mrs. Rajni Devi, wife of Mr Balbir Singh, a resident of Arnia, Jammu. Around 10:40 PM, Pakistan Rangers employed heavy machine gun fire from their side and targeted our Posts. Once again, our troops responded fittingly to this aggression. At approximately 1:08 AM, Pakistan Rangers once again fired at and targeted our Border Outposts, leading to another exchange of fire, which was met with a befitting response from our troops. During the cross-border exchange of fire, Constable Basava Raj sustained minor splinter injuries due to shelling, affecting both of his hands at approximately 10:00 PM. The injured personnel received immediate medical attention, was evacuated to PHC Arnia, and later admitted to GMCH, Jammu. Fortunately, the individual’s condition is stable. Thankfully, there have been no other casualties reported at this time. Damage to material is currently being assessed. The Border Security Force remains vigilant and continues to closely monitor developments, assessing the situation as it unfolds. The BSF is fully prepared to respond as necessary to ensure the safety and security of the border area and its residents.