Bengali BSF jawan killed as Pakistan violates truce in Samba

Samba, Kathua, 3 January: A Bengali BSF jawan was killed today in a cross-border firing by the Pakistani army along the International Border in Samba district.

Head Constable Radha Pada Hazra (51) of 173 Battalion suffered bullet injuries in the firing. He was taken to the District Hospital, Samba, where he succumbed to injuries, a BSF official said.

“The jawan was deployed at a forward post in the Durma Chak area in the Samba sector. He received bullet injuries and was declared brought dead,” said Ritesh Khullar, casualty medical officer, Samba District Hospital.

Radha Pada Hazra was from Hatpara village of Murshidabad district in West Bengal.

Sources said the incident took place when the Pakistani troopers fired at him around 4 pm. The BSF troops posted in the area also retaliated in calibrated manner.

The exchange of fire continued in Durmachak, Manguchak, Londi and other adjoining villages till late evening.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Rangers also resorted to unprovoked firing at BSF positions in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district.

“After violating the bilateral ceasefire agreement in the Samba sector late afternoon, the Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing at the BSF’s Londi, Bobiya and Gurnam posts in the Hiranagar sector. The Indian troops gave a befitting reply,” said a senior police officer.  (With Agency Inputs)