BSF to make fresh efforts to have flag meeting with Pak Ranger

At the same time, the border guarding force has been given direction to retaliate with equal measure any unprovoked firing from across the border

BSF is likely to make fresh efforts to have a flag meeting with its counterpart Pakistan Rangers to defuse tension along the International Border in the wake of heavy firing from across the border.

The Home Ministry has asked the Border Security Force to try to hold a flag meeting with Pakistan Rangers as soon as possible to reduce tension along the border in Jammu and Kashmir where heavy exchange of fire has led to killing of two persons and injury to over two dozen others since last week.

At the same time, highly placed sources said, the border guarding force has been given direction to retaliate with equal measure any unprovoked firing from across the border.

There have been two attempts by the BSF to hold flag meetings with the Pakistan Rangers this month -- on October 18 and October 20 -- but on the both occasions, the border guarding force of Pakistan did not turn up.

Firing from across the border has become a matter of concern for the government and steps are being taken to evacuate villagers living close to the border to safety till the tension continues, sources said.

The BSF has been asked to ensure that there was minimum inconvenience to border population during the skirmishes.

Three civilians were injured as Pakistani troops opened fire and shelled 17 border out posts and hamlets along the IB overnight, resulting in heavy exchanges till the wee hours today.

A total of 11 civilians have been injured in the Pakistani firing since yesterday.