1 BSF Jawan injured and residential areas heavily impacted in Kashmir’s Aria sector as Pak Rangers conduct mortar shelling

Unprovoked firing and mortar shelling in Jammu and Kashmir's Arnia sector injured a Border Security Force (BSF) personnel. The mortar bombs are reported to have severely impacted residential areas, with the locals having to flee their homes in search of safe shelters.

"Pak Rangers resorted to Mortar shelling which was countered by BSF with appropriate response. Intermittent firing continued till 3 a.m.," said the BSF in a statement. At least three people were hurt, including a BSF jawan, in Pakistani firing that began yesterday evening. The Border Security Force which is mandated to guard the 3,323 km India-Pakistan border said that it retaliated efficiently to the Pakistani firing. According to a BSF spokesperson, the unprovoked shooting by Pakistan Rangers on BSF stations in the Arnia area was appropriately responded to by BSF forces.

The ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan in February 2021 was violated to the greatest extent possible by the shelling that occurred overnight along the international boundary. The locals reported that Thursday's firing began at around 8 p.m. Thunderous explosions followed it as both sides resorted to employing mortars.

Residential dwellings were heavily impacted by the overnight shelling. The shooting caused massive damage to at least one residential building. Many villagers evacuated their homes and sought refuge in safer locations after intense shelling.

A week ago, two BSF soldiers were hurt by Pakistani gunfire in the Arnia. However, a flag meeting between local BSF and Rangers commanders on the border quickly brought the situation under control.​