Army soldier, BSF trooper among 4 killed in cross-border firing

An Indian Army soldier was killed on Friday in a ceasefire violation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, on a day when a BSF trooper and two Indian civilians were killed in firing along the international border.

Defence Ministry sources said an army soldier was killed in Pakistan Army's ceasefire violation on the LoC in Rajouri district as Pakistan initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing.

"Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing using small arms and automatics to target Indian positions in Sunderbani sector of the LoC at 1.30 p.m., which the Indian Army retaliated 'strongly and effectively'," the Indian Army said in a statement.

In the exchange of fire, Lance Naik Sam Abraham was grievously injured and later succumbed to his injuries.

The 34-year-old soldier hailed from Poonakam of Allepey in Kerala and is survived by his wife Anu Mathew and a 22-month-old daughter.

"Lance Naik Sam Abraham was a brave and sincere soldier. The nationa will always remain indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the army statement said.

Earlier in the day, a BSF trooper and two civilians were killed and three others injured in indiscriminate firing and shelling by Pakistan Rangers on the international border.

Police said BSF Head Constable Jagpal Singh, injured in Samba district, succumbed to his injuries.

Two civilians were killed and three others were injured in Pakistani shelling on civilian facilities in Arnia sub-sector of R.S. Pura in Jammu district.

The injured civilians were shifted to a hospital.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the LoC is guarded by the army, while the international border is guarded by the BSF.

Likewise, the Pakistan Army guards the LoC in Pakistan-administered Kashmir while Pakistan Rangers guard the international border.

--IANS

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