BSF pays tributes to slain jawan

Jammu :  The Border Security Force (BSF) paid tributes to constable Bijender Bahadur Singh, who was killed in firing by the Pakistani troops along the International Border (IB) in Jammu district today. A wreath laying ceremony was organised in honour of the BSF officer, who laid down his life guarding the nation’s frontiers in Arnia sector, a defence spokesman said here.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh along with BSF officers and jawans paid floral tributes to the martyr at the BSF headquarters here. A bullet hit the jawan on the left side of his abdomen and he succumbed to injuries on the way to hospital, the spokesman said.

The 32-year-old Bahadur hailed from Vidya Bhawan Naraypur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Balia district. He is survived by his wife Sushmita Singh. Speaking to media, Deputy Chief Minister condemned the killing and said that India will give Pakistan a befitting reply. “Pakistan is a country of cowards. They should desist from such acts. We will give them a befitting reply,” Singh said.

There have been continuous ceasefire violations by the Pakistani troops for the past three days. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the BSF yesterday while three Indian jawans were injured in unprovoked firing and shelling by Pakistani troops along the IB and the LoC in Jammu and Poonch districts on Wednesday.

Incidents of ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops have increased sharply this year. Till August 1, there have been 285 such actions by the Pakistan army, while in 2016, the number was significantly less at 228 for the entire year, according to figures by the Indian Army.