BSF soldier injured as Pakistan breaks ceasefire in Akhnoor sector, prompting 'high alert' along Line of Control

A Border Security Force (BSF) member was injured when Pakistani troops fired unprovoked at Indian posts on Wednesday, violating a ceasefire agreement along the border.

BSF troops also retaliated, but the number of casualties on the Pakistani side was not immediately known, PTI reported, citing an official.

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“At around 2.35 am, there was an unprovoked exchange of fire from across the border in the Akhnoor area, to which the BSF responded appropriately. A BSF soldier was injured in Pakistani gunfire,” said a Border Security Force spokesman.

He said troops were on high alert and maintaining strict vigil along the entire International Border and Line of Control.

Since India and Pakistan renewed the ceasefire agreement on February 25, 2021, ceasefire violations between the two countries have been very rare. Last year, a BSF soldier was killed in a firefight with Pakistani Rangers in the Ramgarh sector, the first loss of life on the Indian side in more than three years.

The latest ceasefire violation came days before the first phase of the three-stage parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18. The second phase of voting will take place on September 25, followed by the third phase on October 1.

The India-Pakistan border is about 3,323 kilometers long and includes various sectors with varying levels of tension and security problems.

In Jammu and Kashmir, this border has been the scene of repeated skirmishes and ceasefire violations. Tensions have fluctuated over the years, with occasional cross-border firing escalating into significant security concerns.

The Border Security Force (BSF), tasked with protecting this sensitive area, has to contend with these ongoing tensions on the border on a regular basis. The latest incident underscores the ongoing security challenges and unstable dynamics on the region's border.

(With contributions from agencies)