Pak used heavy artillery on Friday at LoC: IG BSF

Srinagar: Asserting that Pakistan Army used heavy artillery that caused casualties to civilian and security forces in north Kashmir on Friday, a top Border Security Force (BSF) official on Sunday said that issues of human rights violation should be raised against the neighbouring country.
BSF IG Rajesh Mishra said that Pakistani Army also suffered huge losses during the retaliatory action by Indian forces. “In an unprovoked ceasefire violation, Pakistan used heavy artillery to target security force posts and civilian areas in north Kashmir. Security forces suffered loss of lives due to Pak shelling. Lot of harm was also inflicted on civilians, including damage to the property and loss of lives,” Mishra told reporters during a wreath laying ceremony held in Srinagar on Sunday.
Eleven people — including six civilians, four Army soldiers and a BSF Sub Inspector — were killed while several others were injured when Pakistan violated ceasefire by resorting to heavy shelling and firing, targeting multiple forward areas in three north Kashmir districts on Friday. Several residential houses were also damaged in border villages in Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.
Answering a question about the details of the damages caused to Pakistani troops by Indian Army in retaliatory action on Friday, he said those details are yet to come. However, he said Pak defences were inflicted a huge blow during the retaliatory action by Indian forces.
The IG BSF said 250 to 300 militants are waiting on launch pads in Pakistan administrated Kashmir (PaK) to sneak into this side of the LoC. But, Mishra said that the anti-infiltration grid along the LoC is on high alert to foil any attempts by militants to sneak into this side. “So far we have been able to foil most of the infiltration bid from PaK. We are certain that any attempt by militants to infiltrate into this side, to create disturbance, will be foiled effectively by the forces,” he added.
About his message to international community over the damages caused to civilians during Pak shelling, he said the issues of human rights violation by Pakistani Army should be raised with the international community.
Paying tribute to the BSF SI, Mr Mishra said that the martyr deserves highest tributes as he fought bravely. “The SI, a 2004 batch recruit, was deployed with the artillery wing of the BSF. We pay tribute to his valor and stand with the family of the martyred jawan,” he added.